Medical oncologists are steering a difficult course during the COVID-19 pandemic between three opposing forces : revisiting optimal standards of cancer care, facing constantly evolving shortages as some resources are being redirected, and acknowledging the paradoxical need to keep patients away from the health care facility. This article compiles recommendations fr om cancer societies and expert opinions to provide guidance and practical solutions for the oncology clinic. We propose that optimal standards of care be upheld, and short-term safety concerns due to exposure to SARS-CoV-2 be weighed against a long-term compromise in cancer prognosis when deciding on adjustments in cancer care. Proper mitigation strategies in the clinic and use of less resource-heavy but equivalent treatment alternatives often allow optimal cancer care. The magnitude of benefit of cancer treatments needs to be systematically considered.
Revue medicale suisse. 2020 Apr 29 [Epub]
Stefan Zimmermann, Pierre-Yves Dietrich, Olivier Michielin, Daniel Betticher, Solange Peters
Service d'immuno-oncologie, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne., Service d'oncologie médicale, HUG, 1205 Genève., Service d'oncologie médicale, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne., Service d'oncologie médicale, HFR, 1700 Fribourg.