COVID-19 testing trends: pre-radiation and throughout cancer care. (3rd March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Messing, Ian; Felps, Miriam; Goyal, Sharad; Rao, Yuan James; Schreiner, Katherine; Scully, Diana; Ojong-Ntui, Martin; Huynh-Le, Minh-Phuong
• Is Part Of: Journal of radiotherapy in practice. Volume 22(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-03
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- radiation therapy -- cancer; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.842005
• DOI: 10.1017/S1460396922000012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1460-3969

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Patients presenting for radiation therapy (RT) at a single institution were analysed regarding treatment delays and disparities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted at an urban multidisciplinary cancer centre. In April 2020, the institution's radiation oncology department implemented universal COVID-19 screening protocols prior to RT initiation. COVID-19 testing information on cancer patients planned for RT from 04/2020 to 01/2021 was reviewed. Trends of other lifetime COVID-19 testing and overall care delays were also studied. Results: Two hundred and fifty-four consecutive cancer patients received RT. Median age was 63 years (range 24–94) and 57·9% ( n = 147) were Black. Most ( n = 107, 42·1%) patients were insured through Medicare. 42·9% ( n = 109) presented with stage IV disease. One (0·4%) asymptomatic patient tested positive for COVID-19 pre-RT. The cohort received 975 lifetime COVID-19 tests (median 3 per patient, range 1–18) resulting in 29 positive test results across 21 patients. Sixteen patients had RT delays. Identifying as Hispanic/Latino was associated with testing positive for COVID-19 ( p = 0·015) and RT delay ( p = 0·029). Conclusion: Most patients with cancer planned for RT tested negative for COVID-19 and proceeded to RT without delay. However, increased testing burden, delays in diagnostic workup and testing positive for COVID-19 may intensify disparities affecting this urban patient population.