First statement on preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in large German Speaking University-based radiation oncology departments

Combs, Stephanie E.; Belka, Claus; Niyazi, Maximilian; Corradini, Stefanie; Pigorsch, Steffi; Wilkens, Jan J.; Grosu, Anca L.; Gückenberger, Matthias; Ganswindt, Ute; Bernhardt, Denise

doi:10.1186/s13014-020-01527-1

Cited by 58 publications

(88 citation statements)

References 72 publications

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“…Overall, medical staff, patient and device hygiene are crucial measures on wards, radiotherapy units, o ces as well as all other publicly accessible areas [27].…”

Section: Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The incubation period can last up to 14 days with an average time of 4-5 days until the appearance of initial symptoms. These are usually coldlike symptoms such as cough, fever and fatigue [9,10]. However, in some cases the virus can cause viral pneumonia (COVID-19) with additional extrapulmonary manifestations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More than 50% of all cancer patients will be treated with radiotherapy at some stage of their disease, making Radiation Oncology (RO) a key discipline in oncology [27]. An infection with SARS-CoV-2 during treatment would lead to a delay, interruption or even discontinuation of cancer therapy and thus in uence the oncological outcome detrimentally.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in an asymptomatic cancer cohort - results and consequences for clinical routine

Marschner

Corradini

Rauch

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background Starting in December 2019, the current pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) confronts the world with an unprecedented challenge. With no vaccine or drug being currently available to control the pandemic spread, prevention and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) testing becomes a crucial pillar of medical systems. Aim of the present study was to report on the first results of the measures taken in a large German Department of Radiation Oncology, including PCR testing of asymptomatic cancer patients. Methods Pandemic-adapted hygiene regulations and prevention measures for patients and staff were implemented. A visiting ban on both wards was implemented from the beginning and medical staff and patients were required to wear face masks at all times. The waiting rooms were rearranged to ensure distance between patients of at least 1.5 meters. Clinical follow up was mainly done by telephone and all patients had to complete a questionnaire regarding symptoms and contacts with COVID-19 patients before entering our department. Educational documents were created for patients to raise awareness of symptoms and avoidance strategies for interactions with other people. Indications for therapy and fractionation schemes were adapted when possible. In a subsequent step, all new asymptomatic patients were tested via nasopharyngeal swab at our screening station shortly before their simulation CT. Results All these measures and implementations have been well accepted. Regarding the PCR testing, only 1 out of 139 asymptomatic patients of our cohort so far tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, reflecting a prevalence of 0.72% in this cancer patient population. Up to this point no staff members was tested positive. The start of the treatment for the PCR-positive patient was deferred for two weeks. Conclusion Due to the pandemic-adapted implementations, our department seems well prepared during this crisis. The initial screening helps to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in order to protect other patients and our staff from infection and the observed PCR prevalence is in line with comparable studies. A regular PCR testing (e.g. twice a week) of all patients and staff would in principle be desirable but is limited due to testing capacities at present.

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“…Overall, medical staff, patient and device hygiene are crucial measures on wards, radiotherapy units, o ces as well as all other publicly accessible areas [27].…”

Section: Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in an asymptomatic cancer cohort - results and consequences for clinical routine

Marschner

Corradini

Rauch

et al. 2020

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…However, because the number of infected patients whose route of infection was unknown increased, our Prime Minister finally declared a state of emergency on 9 April. Several organizations or radiotherapy departments from severely affected regions published emergency guidelines or suggested solutions for the management of cancer patients during the global COVID-19 pandemic [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in the department of radiation oncology in the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo

Murakami

Igaki

Okamoto

et al. 2020

Journal of Radiation Research

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“…Thus, the request to stay at home in self-isolation shall be read not only as a restrictive measure but also as a protective recommendation (ESMO, 2020;NCCN, 2020). Despite efforts of oncology clinicians in providing cancer treatment safely in the face of uncertainty and rapid change (Cinar et al, 2020;Combs et al, 2020; Meattini et al, 2020; Russano, Citarella, Vincenzi, Tonini, & Santini, 2020; Trapani, Marra, & Curigliano, 2020;Ueda et al, 2020;Valenza et al, 2020), cancer patients and survivors had to face several challenges in accessing healthcare services, especially those travelling to receive care (ACV, 2020;Chan et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Living with cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic: An Italian survey on self-isolation at home

Biagioli

Albanesi

Belloni

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Objective: To investigate the perception of self-isolation at home in patients with cancer during the lockdown period because of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted through an online survey from March 29th to May 3rd, 2020. Perception of self-isolation was assessed in patients with cancer during quarantine at home using the ISOLA scale, after evaluation of its psychometric properties. Content analysis was used to analyse two open-ended questions.Results: Participants were 195 adult patients with cancer (female = 76%; mean age = 50.3 ± 11.2; haematological malignancy = 51.3%). They reported moderate isolation-related suffering (M = 2.64 ± 0.81), problems in the relationship with others (M = 3.31 ± 1.13), and difficulties in the relationship with oneself (M = 3.14 ± 1.06). Patients who experienced significantly more social problems were the older ones, with lower education, and living without minor children. Overall, four main categories emerged from the qualitative content analysis: 1) Lack of freedom and social life, 2) Uncertainty and worries, 3) Feeling supported, and 4) Dealing with isolation.Conclusion: Living with cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic was often perceived as an isolating experience, primarily in terms of detachment from loved ones.

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First statement on preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in large German Speaking University-based radiation oncology departments

Cited by 58 publications

References 72 publications

SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in an asymptomatic cancer cohort - results and consequences for clinical routine

SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in an asymptomatic cancer cohort - results and consequences for clinical routine

Preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in the department of radiation oncology in the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo

Living with cancer in the COVID-19 pandemic: An Italian survey on self-isolation at home

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