Italian survey on the clinical management of non-small cell lung cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A lesson for the second wave. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertaglia, Valentina; Reale, Maria Lucia; Bironzo, Paolo; Palesandro, Erica; Mariniello, Annapaola; Leone, Gianmarco; Tabbò, Fabrizio; Bungaro, Maristella; Audisio, Marco; Rapetti, Simonetta; Di Stefano, Rosario Francesco; Carnio, Simona; Artusio, Elisa; Capelletto, Enrica; Sperone, Paola; Passiglia, Francesco; Novello, Silvia
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. Volume 157(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Lung cancer -- SARS‐CoV‐2 -- COVID-19 -- Outpatient management -- Survey; Oncology -- Periodicals; Hematology -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8428

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Survey to evaluate the clinical management of NSCLC patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delay of lung cancer diagnosis and a dramatic decrease of patients' accrual within clinical trials. Major changes in the treatment management of elderly population. Major changes in the selection of second line treatments. Telemedicine as a valid support to facilitate patient-healthcare interactions. Abstract: This study investigated the clinical management of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients during the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Italy. A 29-questions survey was sent to 95 Italian thoracic oncologists, with 77 % of them declaring significant changes in the outpatients management and treatment. The results of this survey pointed out a significant delay of lung cancer diagnosis along with a relevant reduction of patients' accrual within clinical trials. Telemedicine emerged as a valid support for patient-healthcare interactions. Therapeutic indications followed the guidelines for adjuvant chemotherapy and concurrent chemo-radiation. Clinical indications to first-line therapies were largely confirmed, while major changes regarded the selection of second line treatment options as well as the management of elderly population. This work may represent a valid source of information to improve the clinical management of NSCLC patients during second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.