Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on gynecological oncology care: Glimpse into Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI) perspective

Abstract

Purpose: The notorious COVID 19 pandemic has caused rapid and drastic changes in cancer care all over the world in 2020. This online survey aims to assess the extent to which the pandemic has affected cancer care in gynecological oncology amongst members of Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI), a registered professional society, founded in 1991. Methods: We developed and administered a cross-sectional, flash survey to members of The Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI) in the first week of April 2020. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016. Results were expressed as percentages of total responses excluding blank or unattended response. Overall theme-specific responses were expressed as a spectrum of finding and related inferences were drawn.Results: Among approached practitioners, 90 responded to the survey, more than 80 % were practicing consultants and more than 50 % from academic institutions. Results of the survey showed that the ongoing pandemic had severely affected gynecological oncology practice and care amongst all responders. There were modifications in diagnostic pathways, interventions and follow ups across all organ sites. There was near unanimous opinion on use of general safety measures to combat the virus and to use complete PPEs in high risk situation. There was mixed responses to alternative educational activities especially using electronic technology and distant learning methods. There was an optimism among responders with regards to the current situation normalizing in 3 to 6 months. Conclusion: This study documents the pandemic affected scenario of gynecological cancer care and perceptions of Gynecological Oncologists in India. Significant effect on all aspects of cancer care were observed. Technological learning methods both for patient care and educational activities were being adopted by many responders. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, gynecological oncology care, survey, AGOI

The International Collaboration for Research methods Development in Oncology (CReDO) workshops: shaping the future of global oncology research

“…[41][42][43][44][45][46] In addition, the inter-participant and faculty-participant interactions during the workshops resulted in new collaborations leading to impactful publications. [47][48][49][50] Evolution of the workshop: CReDO has evolved over the years, based on feedback from participants and faculty. The health education system in India, as in many other LMICs, does not lay much emphasis on research skills training as part of the medical training curriculum.…”

Treatment Delay during Radiotherapy of Cancer Patients due to COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on health care systems worldwide. However, the brunt of this impact was on the cancer patients getting treatment in specialized oncology hospitals (Bhandoria et al, 2020;Mallick et al, 2021;Sekhon et al, 2021). This could be due to the immunocompromised state of cancer patients, caused partly by cancer itself and partly by treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.…”

Management of Gynecologic Cancer During COVID-19 Pandemic: South Asian Perspective

“…This needs to be discussed with the patient, before, making any decision. 12 For follow-up of gynecological malignancy cases, oncologists and their patients need to discuss the necessity of avoiding clinic visits, due to higher risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 and choose telemedicine facility instead if applicable. Another issue of significance is the tough decision for both patients and oncologists to continue immuno-suppressive treatments during this COVID-19 crisis.…”

“…In an online survey conducted amongst gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists of Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI), 54% respondents felt that alternative learning methods like virtual conferences, online reading material through professional society websites, and limited gathering were necessary to inform medical practices, but expressed concern that there would be few opportunities for professional interaction and networking. 12 …”

“…Surgery can be postponed for 1 to 2 months in low-risk endometrial cancers (FIGO IA stage on MRI and grade 1-2 endometrioid cancer on endometrial biopsy). 12 , 13 , 33 For patients of high ESMO risk, the MSKCC (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) algorithm combining PET-CT and sentinel lymph node biopsy, should be used to avoid pelvic and lumbar-aortic lymphadenectomy. 18 In management of endometrial carcinoma, postponing surgery in early stage disease, hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy excluding lymphadenectomy, and exploring medical treatments were some modifications adopted by Italian gynaecological oncologists.…”