Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Care and Research in Cancer Imaging: Where We Are Now

Abstract

Most institutions have resumed cancer screening appointments but are working through the backlogs of postponed appointments from earlier in 2020.  Social distancing, work-at-home policies, and altered cancer imaging workflows may continue into 2022.  The pandemic has substantially negatively impacted cancer imaging research and funding opportunities; reassessments will likely be needed to evaluate productivity and academic progress. "We might be tired of COVID-19. But it is not tired of us."

Imaging in the COVID-19 era: Lessons learned during a pandemic

“…As a result of the universal cancer screening interruptions, a large backlog of cancelled appointments emerged. As the first pandemic wave subsided, healthcare institutions implemented a phased reopening, prioritizing patients with acute complaints suspicious for disease progression, those with newly diagnosed cancer and those undergoing treatment[ 191 ]. Despite the fact that hospitals returned to their pre-pandemic capacity, patients were reluctant to reschedule their appointments due to fear of exposure within the hospital or due to lack of health insurance and unemployment[ 192 ].…”

Haematological malignancies implications during the times of the COVID‑19 pandemic (Review)

“…Since patients with haematological malignancies display a particularly high risk for COVID-19, they should be considered a high priority group for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (80). However, widespread vaccination of high-risk patients is a time-consuming procedure while the COVID-19 pandemic is not slowing down (81). In addition, the use of anti-COVID-19 drugs in such patients should be previously evaluated and heavily monitored since potential drug-drug interactions with anti-cancer drugs or unexpected toxicity of anti-COVID-19 drugs could emerge (77,82).…”

“…These guidelines may include creating designated areas for patients at high-risk for COVID-19 infection, following specific cleaning and social distancing practices, having virtual meetings instead of requiring patients to attend the hospital, and screening a large number of patients and clinicians. Furthermore, the effects of COVID-19 on patients with haematological malignancies will be long-lasting due to delays in cancer scientific study, which is influenced by restrictions on research activities and the diversion to COVID-19 research funding (76,81).…”

Modification in the Oncology Field during COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Interruptions in the delivery of cancer services have been quite severe for patients due to their high vulnerability to Covid-19 and high rates of mortality either because of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other anti-cancer treatments or immunosuppression brought about by the illness itself [28]. As a result, postponement or decrease of face-to-face patient interactions with healthcare professionals, suspension of cancer surgeries, and chemotherapy delays have been executed in numerous oncology facilities.…”

“…As a result, postponement or decrease of face-to-face patient interactions with healthcare professionals, suspension of cancer surgeries, and chemotherapy delays have been executed in numerous oncology facilities. Cancer patients are highly at-risk of contracting Covid-19 in its severe form due to an impaired immune system and comorbidities [28]. Blood cancer patients could be at a greater risk of death and serious infection from Covid-19 compared to patients with tumors due to the fact that blood cancer patients have dwindling or deviant quantities of immune cells that generate antibodies against the virus [29].…”