Abstract
Introduction:
Pandemic COVID-19 is an unexpected challenge for the oncological community, indicating potential detrimental effects on cancer patients. Our aim was to summarize the converging key points providing a general guidance in order to support decision making, pertaining to the oncologic care in the middle of a global outbreak.
Methods:
We did an international online search in twenty five countries that have managed a surge in cancer patient numbers. We collected the recommendations from thirty one medical oncology societies.
Results:
By synthesizing guidelines for a) oncology service delivery adjustments, b) general and specific treatment adaptations, and c) discrepancies from guidelines comparison, we present a clinical synopsis with the forty more crucial statements. A Covid-19 risk stratification base was also created in order to obtain a quick, objective patient assessment and a risk-benefit evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusions:
In an attempt to face these complex needs and due to limited understanding of COVID-19, a variability of recommendations based on general epidemiological and infectious disease principles rather than definite cancer-related evidence has evolved. Additionally, the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine requires the development of cancer management guidance, capitalizing on comprehensive COVID-19 oncology experience globally.
Introduction
The rapid international spread of COVID-19,-linked to the severe adult respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2- along with the proliferation of severe morbidity cases, often leading to death, has placed extreme pressure on health care systems, necessitating global coordination and collaboration between governments, healthcare professionals and organizations. Despite our poor understanding of this new coronavirus, recommendations for the management of specific patient groups were rapidly developed.
Preliminary reports identified the high risk of cancer patients contracting COVID-19 and having a worse outcome than the general population (1, 2). Cancer alone was associated with a potential intensive care unit admission and death risk (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.8–16.2) (1). This led to a rapid evolution of patients’ and clinicians’ guidance from national and international oncology societies (3). The scientific evidence was- and is still- missing though, and in many cases, this guidance was based on extrapolation of information from previous pandemics, regional guidance and logical judgements (4, 5).
Herein, we summarize the guidance provided so far from medical oncology societies to allow a better interpretation and implementation of proposed actions to face the evolution of the COVID19 pandemic.
Methods
An established collaborative group of oncologists (6) provided guidelines and recommendations from their national medical societies for cancer management during COVID-19 and present patients’ expectations from oncology societies, respectively. Guidelines from individual institutes were not included, unless it was the only cancer centre in the country, while oncology-related state guidance was captured as well. Documents which were exclusively patient-facing (i.e., did not provide guidance to healthcare providers) were also excluded.
A typical medical literature search was not conducted due to the sudden nature of the pandemic, the rapid and recent production of the documents, and their frequent publication outside of the medical literature (as for example on agency websites). For reasons of urgency, the available documents were not produced using accepted guideline protocols, such as AGREE II, and thus were not graded.
Results were summarized and compared by type of recommendation (preventive, intervention, and treatment measures), risk group and type of malignancy when applicable, with focus on converging points, discrepancies, potential shortcomings, and underlying evidence level.
Results
Medical oncology recommendations from 25 countries and 31 international organizations were analyzed (Appendix Table 1). Oncology societies provided general and specific instructions to revise cancer patient’s service delivery and treatment. The development of a clear risk minimization strategy was common, focusing on patients’ social contacting reduction. Below, we present the converging points from different societies classified in: a) guidelines for oncology service delivery adjustments, b) general and specific treatment adjustments, c) special issues guide, d) discrepancies from guidelines comparison.
Service Delivery
Most societies agree on minimization of: hospital visits, unavoidable visits duration and waiting areas overcrowding. Service delivery recommendations include physical attendance only when essential and substitution with “tele”-service. Similar suggestions include: treatment prioritization strategies; stratified follow-up models; follow-up visit postponement and use of tele-consulting; slot appointment planning; waiting for appointments in the car or other non-clinical areas; no escorts in clinical facilities, unless essential (Appendix Table 2).
Furthermore, phone triage the day before treatment (as well as before entering the facilities in checkpoint areas), waiting room rearrangements with respect to social distancing and creation of a separate circuit for the oncological patients are commonly proposed as measures to further reduce the risk of transmission (Appendix Table 2).
Other recommendations include staff training to triage and test patients, to isolate positive cases and use Personal Protective Equipment, as well as patient guidance in preventive measures and symptoms report (Appendix Table 2). Ways to involve infected/isolated healthcare practitioners in service delivery are also proposed: virtual MDT attendance, telephone/video consultations (especially for follow-ups), identification of vulnerable patients, and patients suitable for remote monitoring/follow-up and data entry (7).
Reduced mobility and physical contacts of medical staff within hospitals are also recommended. MDTs as well as other meetings organization via video-applications is also advised; similarly, ward rounds restriction to two doctors is recommended (8).
Medical Treatment: General Considerations
Case by case decisions are proposed, and the continuation of anti-cancer treatment should be individualized according to the patient’s needs. Most societies agree on an upfront risk/benefit discussion with the patient regarding treatment continuation. SEOM recommends that it be documented in the informed consent, with a clear description of the potential risks. MDT discussion with the patient on cancer treatment adjustments is advisable (7).
A substantial limitation of physical contacts is a key point, leading to several treatment adjustments, such as: treatments delays/breaks when clinically appropriate or after discussion with the patient; home blood specimen collection before treatment; home deliveries of long-term treatment supplies and therapies for low risk injectable and oral agents; tele-monitoring or repetitive treatment; treatment interval increase by limiting the use of dose-dense chemotherapy regimens and adjustment to the longest cycle regimens possible; whenever applicable, change i.v. chemotherapy to oral or subcutaneous forms. Supportive (e.g.bisphoshonates) treatments could be delayed and blood transfusions limited to the absolutely necessary (Appendix Table 3).
Aiming at immunosuppression risk reduction, many societies [MOGA/AGCA, Bulgarian, Chinese, HDIO, IOL, SEOM, SOF/RCCC, NHS/NICE, ASCO/NCCN/ACS/CDC, ESMO] recommend the use of prophylactic GCSF +/- antibiotics (2, 9–12) and also reducing or tapering steroids as anti-emetics or immune-suppressants when appropriate. Dutch Oncology Society (NVMO) is against the prophylactic use of GCSF +/- antibiotics (13). SEOM suggests avoiding initiation of immunosuppressive treatment in possibly infected patients, with a history of contacts at risk or when 2-3 weeks delay is not health-threatening; the plan can be reviewed every 2–3 weeks by phone. BSMO suggests to critically review the urgency for initiation of new cancer therapy and consider postponement for several months; if 12 weeks postponement is not feasible, contacts should go on as pre-planned (14).
In order to facilitate these decisions and prevent staff shortage or infrastructure capacity overload at a potential second pandemic outbreak, risk assessments and treatment prioritization models were proposed by several societies (7, 15, 16) and are presented in Table 1.
Table 1
| Priority group | ESMO | NICE | HPSP | HeSMO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Life threatening conditions, clinically unstable pts or when benefit is higher than risk in terms of survival or QoL (high priority group) | Curative therapy with a high (>50%) chance of success | Pts treated with curative intent: ≤60 y old or life exp ≥5 y, or both | Pts with imminent life threat: e.g., metastatic germ cell tumors, aggressive neoplasms |
| 2 | Pts in non-critical status, whose oncological treatment benefit qualifies for intermediate priority: treatment should not be delayed > 6 weeks as this could be detrimental on the oncological outcome | Curative therapy with an intermediate (15–50%) chance of success | Pts treated with non-curative intent: ≤60 y old or life exp ≥5 y, or both, and under early line of treatment | Pts with severe QoL deterioration due to cancer symptoms and high morbidity |
| 3 | Pts stable enough for their treatment to be delayed for the duration of the pandemic and/or when the intervention benefit is minimal: no survival gain with no change nor reduced QoL (low priority group) | Non-curative therapy with a high (>50%) chance of >1 yr life extension | Pts treated with non-curative intent: those under PD or when treatment interruption can be life threatening | Pts undergoing therapy with curative intent |
| 4 | Curative therapy with low (0–15%) chance of success OR non-curative therapy with an intermediate (15–50%) chance of > 1 y life extension | Pts under palliative therapy but with significant survival benefit | ||
| 5 | Non-curative therapy with a high (>50%) chance of palliation/temporary tumor control but < 1 year life extension | Pts under palliative therapy with modest survival benefit with/or significant symptoms control | ||
| 6 | Non-curative therapy with an intermediate (15–50%) chance of palliation and temporary tumor control with < 1 y life extension. | Pts under palliative therapy without survival benefit or symptom control | ||
| 7 | Supportive measures or cases where therapy does not affect patient outcome |
Risk assessments and treatment prioritization models.
Pts, patients; exp, expectancy, y, year.
Setting Specific Management
Certain societies provide specific treatment adjustments guidance and additional detailed considerations by cancer type and treatment setting. ESMO recently published detailed management guidelines stratified by risk priority group- as described above- and type/stage of malignancy (16).
Invasive Procedures
The decision for the necessity for interventional radiology procedures and diagnostic biopsies depends on its importance in guiding subsequent treatment decisions and on the patient’s co-morbidity. Curative primary tumour resections should not be postponed or omitted. Metastasectomies or debulking surgeries should be performed upon personalized risk-benefit evaluation. A surgical procedure that could postpone (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered.
Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Treatment
As long as the goal is the cure, (neo)-adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy should not be postponed or omitted. However, when the benefit is considered marginal, the risk for fatal coronavirus infection should be weighed against the potential benefit. Use of regimens with the longest cycle possible is suggested. Adjuvant hormonal treatment should be continued.
Treatment for Metastatic Disease
Continuation of intravenous chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy should be individualized. Maintenance therapy could potentially be discontinued and treatment holidays should be offered whenever appropriate. Palliative and late line systemic treatments should be probably postponed or adapted to the longest cycle regimen possible or switch to oral regimens. Some agencies, i.e., CCO, have provided detailed priority lists to facilitate treatment decisions by disease site.
Immunotherapy should be continued on basis of risk benefit equation, with increased alertness for respiratory infection symptoms. Hormone therapy treatment should be continued.
Treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors should be re-evaluated and discontinued if potential benefit is low or adjusted according to immunosuppression risk. The benefit of mTOR inhibitors should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis given the risk for pneumonitis.
Patients With Confirmed COVID-19 Infection: When to Go Back on Treatment?
There is limited evidence on the link between recent oncological treatment and severe COVID-19 events (1, 17). It is also unclear when to restart treatment after COVID-19 infection. ASCO recommends to hold treatment until the patient is asymptomatic or there is proof of infection resolution, but in cases of severe cancer complication risk, restarting therapy is advised. NICE suggests restarting treatment after one negative SARS-Cov-2 test (7). Finally, French guidance recommends treatment continuation after patient’s recovery (15). To date, ESMO issued only a short statement suggesting for treatment initiation or continuation for SARS-CoV2-positive cancer patients if they are a- or pauci-symptomatic, still fit to be treated and after proper risk/benefit analysis.
Furthermore, according to CDC, severely immunocompromised patients, after COVID-19 infection, can discontinue transmission-based precautions after at least two negative consecutive nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected ≥24 h apart, when accompanied by fever resolution (without medication) and respiratory symptoms improvement (18); according to ASCO, it would be reasonable to initiate/resume anti-cancer therapy, once transmission-based precautions are no longer necessary. Still, given the limited data and the ongoing research, further updates on this issue are expected.
Special Issues
Senior Patients
No specific guidance could be identified for this patient group, with an approach proportional to the general population and based on a documented risk assessment. ESMO suggests “more intensive” surveillance, especially with co-morbidity, but without specific recommendation.
Supportive Management
Patients on supportive management or end-of-life treatment should be managed like the general population, any investigations with no symptom control provision should be avoided and hospitalization should be considered when needed (15). ESMO provides a detailed prioritization list. An at-home service is preferable, while admission should be offered in intensive interventions, especially in oncologic emergencies (e.g., spinal cord compression, severe pain, etc.).
Clinical Trials
FDA and SEOM provide guidance on clinical trials conduction during the pandemic, with focus on participants’ safety (14). The continuation of an investigational product depends on individual circumstances. Patients under treatment should limit per protocol-specified visits. Alternative ways to assess/follow up patients are recommended after contacting with CRAs/sponsors (e.g., phone contact, virtual visit, alternative location for assessment, including local community labs or imaging centres). Inclusion of new patients should be considered on a case-by-case basis (19).
SEOM suggested that protocol’s recommendations should be strictly followed with dose delays and adjustments as per protocol but adapted to the healthcare and epidemiological situation. BSMO suggested a continuation of ongoing trials, without on-site monitor visits, but no new trials initiation (14). The Dutch and NICE recommendations suggested to continue treatment for patients already included within trials, but to stop recruitment (7, 8). ESMO supports treatment continuation within a clinical trial, provided that benefits outweigh risks, with a possible adaptation of procedures without affecting patient’s safety and study conduct.
Ventilator Support and Resuscitation Status
The oncology treating team must inform the intensivist physicians (ICU) on the need for intubation and ventilation. A detailed description of the oncological status is crucial when curative treatment is given (20). The Dutch recommendations suggest to proactively discuss with the patients about the escalation level, resuscitation status (DNR) and ventilation strict policies (8).
Well-Being and Emotional Resilience
ESMO and ASCO have addressed the importance of healthcare providers’ mental well-being, with ASCO providing specific suggestions on their mental health.
Web and Media
Reliable information from scientifically driven sources should be followed, while using or sharing social media accounts and rumours should be critically appraised (16).
Ethics
Expectations that the pandemic may constrain resources has led to the recommendation of care prioritization based on expected outcomes. The ethical framework has been provided by some documents, providing support for communication with patients and families when limitations are required [CCO, BCC].
Discrepancies Between the Guidelines
Bone Marrow Growth Factor Therapy
Generally, guidelines support the use of prophylactic G-CSF in order to decrease the risk of hospital admission due to neutropenic sepsis that could expose patients to Covid-19 infection and divert healthcare resources (Appendix Table 3) (2, 9–13). However, Dutch guide recommends against G-CSF use given the unclear impact on COVID-19-infection and potential increase of risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (14). Further research is required to determine the effect of G-CSF during Covid-19 (2, 9–14).
Immunotherapy
The risks for patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors and CTLA4 antagonists from COVID-19 infection are also uncertain as the significance of the resulting immune effect on clinical outcome is currently debatable (2, 20–23). Still, their potential toxicity profile, including respiratory morbidity creates concerns. According to ESMO, close monitoring for specific symptoms, e.g., pneumonitis or infection, is recommended, to allow prompt withdrawal of treatment and possible referral to COVID-19 diagnostic pathway. ASCO gives no guide for immunotherapy since no reliable evidence is available and suggests literature follow-up.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Face mask use has been a conflicting point, but now there is mostly a consensus on mask use both by medical staff, patients and relatives during hospital visits See also Appendix Table 4.
Discussion
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the adaptation of new clinical strategies aiming at physical contacts minimization and adoption of tele-practising models. The oncologists’ challenge is to provide effective treatment and support cancer patients. A plethora of clinical practice guidances has rapidly developed, agreeing on the main changes to be implemented.
The oncologic society’s first priority has been the implementation of an upfront strategy based on safety and treatment efficacy. However, strategic measures derive from general epidemiologic and infectious disease knowledge from prior epidemics (4, 5), which is still poor in the case of COVID-19. Yet, continuous research begins to offer a better understanding of the new coronavirus (24–26). Due to the lack of definitive evidence on the COVID-19 exact pathological profile, guidelines by different societies may vary in specific areas, with one example being the controversy on face mask use, at least until recently (27).
Even more challenging has been the guidance about the use of G-CSF (2, 9–13). Potential benefits may arise from reducing the likelihood of hospital admission due to chemotherapy induced neutropenic fever or sepsis. However, neutrophilia and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios predict poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19 (11, 28). Neutrophilia could be a source of excess neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs); the formation of which can drive a variety of severe pathologies in the lungs, induce mucus accumulation in airways and drive ARDS (29). NETs are also implicated in the development of arterial and venous thrombosis, a feature observed in individuals with severe COVID-19 infection (30). Furthermore, severe COVID-19 is associated with increased plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm) and other molecules including G-CSF (31, 32). Taken together, these data generate uncertainty on the risk/benefit balance concerning the use of G-CSF (2, 9–13).
Whereas many of the recommendations for cancer treatment relate to cytotoxic chemotherapy, guidance on newer therapies, e.g., immune checkpoint CDK4/6, mTOR, and PARP inhibitors, appears only intermittently. For these treatments, we are only based on basic clinical science to help predict possible consequences of COVID-19 infection. Additionally, some of these treatments have adverse effects, like pneumonitis or severe myocarditis, that simulate symptoms arising from COVID-19 infection, posing a threat to appropriate clinical management and possibly compromising survival (33). Currently, most society guidelines suggest a continuation of such treatments upon individualized risk/benefit assessment, but scientific validation is awaited.
It should be emphasized that currently there is a significant lack of specific guidance required for patients with, or recovering from COVID-19 and needing to initiate or restart cancer treatment. ASCO and NICE have published generic guidance, while others (ESMO, French society) have a short comment, leaving the decision making to individual clinical evaluation. Urgent development is needed in: virus testing method and frequency, confirmatory tests, definition of adequate asymptomatic period, management of persisting COVID-19 positivity and evaluation of potential risk stratification factors.
One of the greatest challenges is how to advise cancer patients on COVID-19 risks when there is a lack of evidence in this matter. Though some patients may appreciate the clinician’s honesty, others may leave it to their doctor to make the judgement call (34).
We should not forget that, as with previous pandemics, COVID-19 may present subsequent infection peaks, influenced by factors such as seasonal and regional variation (35, 36). In the Northern Hemisphere countries are still heavily affected by the pandemic and any relaxation of the first phase stringent measures may result in a second surge within the coming months. Additionally, concerns are raised about COVID-19’s impact on the Southern Hemisphere countries that have limited medical and economic resources to counteract the threat.
As our understanding of COVID-19 grows, management approaches may be intensified, added, dropped or permanently implemented in our clinical practice. During data collection for this report we noticed changes in the available guidelines, and expect further evolution to a more permanent adapted model.
Conclusions
Oncological societies have quickly developed and adapted recommendations in these unprecedented circumstances. As clinicians, we strive to provide the best cancer management and treatment in the face of COVID-19 uncertainties (37).
Funding
All authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships.
Statements
Author contributions
KK, DM, KP, AA, and MT: Conception or design of the work. NH, BP, MD, and AV: Data collection. PK, JK, CK, and LP: Data analysis and interpretation. NC, GZ, NP, CC, HS, FM, and IP: Drafting the article. RM, BM, JG, and DT: Critical revision of the article. KK, DM, KP, AA, RM, JG, DT, and MT: Final approval of the version to be published. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Appendix Table 1
| Country/Region | Society | Acronyms (Abbreviations) | Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Medical Oncology Group of Australia | MOGA | Y |
| Australian Government-Cancer Australia | AG-CA | Y | |
| Austria | Austrian Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology | ÖGHO | Onkopedia |
| Belgium | Belgian Society of Medical Oncology | BSMO | Y |
| Brazil | Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica | SBOC | Y |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian National Association of Oncology | BNAO | – |
| Bulgarian Association of Medical Oncology | BAMO | – | |
| Expert Council Panel | Y | ||
| Canada | Cancer Care Ontario | CCO | Y |
| British Columbia Cancer | BCC | Y | |
| China | Breast Cancer expert committee, National Cancer Quality control Center | NCQC-BC | Y |
| Croatia | Croatian Society for Medical Oncology | HDIO | Y |
| Cyprus | Cyprus Oncology Society | OEK | Y HeSMO, ASCO |
| Czech Republic | Czech Society for Oncology | CSO | Y |
| France | Haut Conseil de Santé Publique | HPSP | Y |
| Germany | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hämatologie und Medizinische Onkologie | DGHO | Onkopedia |
| Greece | Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology | HESMO | Y |
| Italy | Italian Association of Medical Oncology | AIOM | Y |
| Japan | Japanese Society of Medical Oncology | JSMO | ASCO |
| Jordan | Jordanian Oncology Society | JOS | NCCN, ASCO |
| Netherlands | Nederlandse Vereniging voor Medische Oncologie | NVMO# | Y |
| Portugal | Sociedade Portuguesa de Oncologia | SPO | Y |
| Serbia | Serbian Society for Medical Oncology | UMOS | ESMO |
| Slovenia | Institute of Oncology Ljubljana | IOL# | Y |
| Slovenian Society of Medical Oncology | SIO | ESMO, ASCO | |
| Spain | Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica | SEOM | Y |
| Sweden | Swedish Society of Oncology—Svensk Onkologisk Förening | SOF# | Y |
| Regional Cancer Centre in Cooperation | RCCC | Y | |
| Switzerland | Swiss Society of Medical Oncology | SSMO·SSOM·SGMO | Onkopedia |
| UK | National institute for health and care excellence | NICE | Y |
| USA | American Society of Clinical Oncology | ASCO | Y |
| National Comprehensive Cancer Network | NCCN | Y | |
| Europe | European Society for Medical Oncology | ESMO | Y |
Guidelines demographics across screened societies *
Data cut-off for screening of National Societies and International Societies was April 30, 2020.
#Guidelines available only for members of the society
* Source of information provided through the publications/links below:
Australia:
file:///C:/Users/v101nv/Downloads/MOGA-Endorsed_Practical-considerations-for-the-management-of-cancer-patients-during-the-COVID19-pandemic-April-2020.pdf
Austria: www.onkopedia.com ; Medical Chamber: www.aerztekammer.at, Health Ministry: www.sozialministerium.at
Belgium: https://www.bsmo.be/covid-19-and-cancer/
Brazil: https://sboc.org.br/images/Infografico_-_Coronav%C3%ADrus_para_medicos_v5.pdf
Bulgaria: https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApvZAv8wL0KhrRhC0aoQhA94RkRJ?e=lnIDgU
Canada: http://g-o-c.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OH-CCO-COVID-19-Pandemic-Planning-Supplemental-Guidance-Cancer-2020-03-29.pdf. https://www.accc-cancer.org/docs/documents/cancer-program-fundamentals/oh-cco-pandemic-planning-clinical-guideline_final_2020-03-10.pdf.
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-professionals site/Documents/provincial_cancer_clinical_management_guidelines_pandemic_situation_covid19_april20_2020.pdf.
https://www.agreetrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/AGREE-II-Users-Manual-and-23-item-Instrument_2009_UPDATE_2013.pdf.
China: http://books.ipmph.com/books/detail/2036483.shtml
Croatia: http://www.internistickaonkologija.hr/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/HDIO-djelatnici_COVID-19.pdf
National Governance: https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/informace-pro-zdravotniky/
Cyprus: https://oncology-cy.eu/
France: You B, Ravaud A, Canivet A, et al. The official French guidelines to protect patients with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lancet Oncol. 2020 May;21(5):619-621
Germany, Switzerland: www.onkopedia.com
Italy: https://www.aiom.it/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200313_COVID-19_indicazioni_AIOM-CIPOMO-COMU.pdf
Spain: https://seom.org
Sweden: https://www.cancercentrum.se/samverkan/covid-19/avvikelser-i-behandlingsrekommendationer/(RCCC)
Portugal: https://www.sponcologia.pt/fotos/editor2/publicacoes/recomendacoes_para_o_tratamento.pdf
UK: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng161
US: https://www.asco.org/asco-coronavirus-information
https://www.nccn.org/covid-19/
Europe: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/cancer-patient-management-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
Appendix Table 2
| Set/follow management plans | Staff training | Phone/Video Consultation | Postpone non-essential follow-up visits | “Previous day” phone triage | Checkpoint areas | Triage before OP | Reduce timein Ops | Waiting area/Distance between pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia MOGA, AG-CA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Austria Onkopedia, AHM, AMC | Y | Y (AHM) | Y (AMC) | Y | – | Y (AHM) | Y ((AHM) | Y (AMC) | Y (AMC) | |
| Belgium BSMO | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | |
| Brasil SBOC | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | |
| Bulgaria Expert Council Panel | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Canada CCO | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | |
| Canada BCC | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | |
| China | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Croatia HDIO | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Cyprus OEK | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Czech Republic CSO National governance* | Y | Y * | Y* | Y | Y * | Y* | Y* | Y* | Y* | |
| France HPSP | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | |
| Germany/Switzerland Oncopedia | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Greece HESMO | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | |
| Italy AIOM | Y (for high risk regions) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||
| Netherlands NVMO | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||||
| Portugal SPO | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | Y | |
| Slovenia IOL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Spain SEOM | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | |
| Sweden SOF, RCCC | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | |
| UK NICE | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | |
| USA ASCO NCCN CDC | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | |
| Europe ESMO | – | – | Y | y | Y | Y# | Y# | Y# | Y# | |
| Country/Medical Society | Home Blood sampling | Home delivery of oral Meds/ iv infusion | Contact infected pt regularly | Service provision from self-isolated/infected staff | If Cancer Centre is COVID affected | Work in Groups/ Set up shifts Suspend shifts | Web use by HCPs | Psychological support for HPs | HCPs to monitor their T | |
| Australia MOGA, AG-CA | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | |
| Austria Onkopedia, AHM, AMC | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y (AHM) | – | |
| Belgium BSMO | Y | |||||||||
| Brasil SBC | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Bulgaria Expert Council Panel | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | |
| Canada CCO | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Canada BCCA | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| China | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Croatia HDIO | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | |
| Cyprus OEK | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | |
| Czech Republic CSO; National governance* | – | – | – | Y * | Y* | Y* | – | – | Y* | |
| France HPSP | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Germany/Switzerland Oncopedia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Greece HESMO | Y | Y | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | - | |
| Italy AIOM | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | |
| Netherlands NVMO | Y | Y | Y(48 hours) | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Portugal SPO, | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | |
| Slovenia OIL, SIO | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | |
| Spain SEOM | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | |
| Sweden SOF, RCCC | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | ||
| UK NHS,NICE | – | Y | daily | Y | – | – | – | – | – | |
| USA ASCO NCCN ACS | Y | Y | Y | Y | Break/use other units | – | – | Y | Y(referral to CDC recommendation) | |
| Europe ESMO | Close to Home | Y | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | |
| Country/Medical Society | Oncology Hospital Meetings | HCPs to minimize hospital Circulation and surface contact | Non-COVID Oncology circuits to be formed | Invasive Ventilation | Radiological Imaging | |||||
| Australia MOGA, AG-CA | Y | – | Y | – | – | |||||
| Austria DGHO | MDT (video/phone) | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Belgium BSMO | Y | |||||||||
| Brasil SBC | – | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Bulgaria Expert Council Panel | Y | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Canada CCO | – | – | – | Y | Y | |||||
| Canada BCC | ||||||||||
| China | Y | |||||||||
| Croatia HDIO | Y MDT avoid contacts, tele | Y | – | – | Delay | |||||
| Cyprus OEK | MDT teleconference | Y | Postpone routine scans/tests | |||||||
| Czech Republic CSO | – | – | – | – | Y, can be delayed in specified groups | |||||
| France HPSP | – | – | – | – | ||||||
| Germany/Switzerland Oncopedia | – | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Greece HESMO | Y | – | – | – | Delay | |||||
| Italy AIOM | – | – | – | – | – | |||||
| Japan JSMO | MDT Minimize contacts | Y | Delay | |||||||
| Jordan JRMS | MDT Minimize contacts | Y | Delay | |||||||
| Netherlands NVMO | MDT Minimize contacts | – | – | Y | Delay | |||||
| Portugal SPO, SPRO | MDT Video | Y | Y | Y | – | |||||
| Slovenia IOL | Y (only MTD with limited stuff) | Y | Y | Y (we have in readiness a COVID department with ventilators) | Y (reduced and without peroral contrast to reduce time spent in hospital) | |||||
| Spain SEOM | Y (MDT by videoconference) | – | – | Y Individualization (see the Ethics Document) | Y: Individualization | |||||
| Sweden SOF, RCCC | Y (individualization) | |||||||||
| UK NHS, NICE | – | – | – | – | – | |||||
| USA ASCO NCCN ACS | – | – | y | Y:Ref to POLST | Y | |||||
| Europe ESMO | – | – | – | – | Y (according to priority group) | |||||
Selected key points for Service Delivery.
AHM, Austrian Health Ministry; AMC, Austrian Medical Chamber; esp., especially; pt, patient; PPE, Personal Protective Equipment; resp., respiratory; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HCP, Health Care Professional; T, Temperature; OP, Outpatient clinics.
Y*: issued by national guide and adopted by oncology society
“Y#”: presented as an option applied in several institutions but not as a recommendation in paragraph: “Additional prevention measures in hospitals and health centers”.
Appendix Table 3
| Selected key points for General Treatment Measures | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment initiation | Treatment Prioritization | GCSF/Abx use | Supportive Tx, e.g., BPhs/ BT | Treatment breaks/delays | Change iv to sc/oral Tx | Decrease frequency of Tx | Shorter regimes | Longer treatment supplies | Suspend/minimize doses | Consent for COVID | Stratified follow-up models | Post-COVID Tx | |
| Australia MOGA, AG-CA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | |
| Austria, Germany Switzerland Oncopedia | Y (individualized) | – | – | Y (BT) | Y (individualized) | – | – | – | – | Y (ISs if appropriate) | – | – | – |
| Belgium BSMO | Delay if appropriate | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y (Adj) | – | – | – | – | – |
| Brasil SBOC | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bulgaria Expert Council Panel | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – |
| Canada CAMO-ACOM CCS | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| China | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | ||
| Croatia HDIO | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – |
| Cyprus OEK | Y, Delay if appropriate | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – |
| Czech Republic CSO | Y, Delay if appropriate | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – |
| France HPSP | Y | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Recovered Pt |
| Greece HESMO | Y | Y | Y | BT | Y | Y | Y (ITx) | – | – | Y | – | – | Y |
| Italy AIOM | Delay if appropriate | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Netherlands NVMO | Postpone + cases | Against | – | Y in asymptomatic | – | – | – | Y | Dose reductions | – | – | – | |
| Portugal SPO | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – |
| Slovenia IOL | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y (for non-curative only) | Y | Y for non-curative) | Y | Y | optional | – | Y | – |
| Spain SEOM | Do not start in infected cases Consider delays | Y | Y | Y (consider delay) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y (for oral drugs) | Steroids (low or high dose) ISs (e.g., everolimus) | Y | Y | Y (recovered patient) |
| Sweden SOF, RCCC | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | Y | – |
| UK NHS,NICE | – | Y | Y | Defer BPhs unless for Hyper Ca | Y | Y | Y (ITx) | Y | Y | – | – | Y | One negative test |
| USA ASCO, NCCN ACS, CDC | y | y | Y | y | Y | Y | y | y | y | y | Y (documented IC) | – | Symptom freeASCO, CDC Neg testASCO 2neg testsCDC |
| Europe ESMO | RBA discussion | Y | y | BT when strictly necessary | Y | Y | Y | Y for RT | Y 3 courses for oral Tx | Y | – | Y esp.in lung and senior pts | Y but no specific guide ,” to discuss with patient” |
Selected key points for General Treatment Measures.
Y, Yes; -, Not available; GCSF, Granulocyte Colony stimulating factor; ABx, Antibiotics; Tx, Treatment; BPhs, Bisphosphonates; BT, Blood Transfusion; i.v., intravenous; sc, subcutaneous; ITx, Immunotherapy; Iss, Immunosuppressants; Adj, Adjuvant; NR, Not Recommended; RBA, Risk-Benefit Assessment.
Appendix Table 4
| Face mask/antiseptic for staff | Type of Face mask for staff | Face mask/ antiseptic for pts | Type of Face mask for patients | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia MOGA, AG-CA | Y | SM Consider respirators in high-risk pts. | Y | SM |
| Austria Onkopedia, AHM, AMC | Y (AHM) | 1) SM or FFP2. 2) Suspected or confirmed COVID-19: PPE+FFP2. | Y | SM or FF2 |
| Belgium BSMO | Y | No specific mask type. | Y | No specific mask type. |
| Brasil SBOC | Y | N/A | Y | N/A |
| Bulgaria Expert Council Panel | Y | SM or N95 or FFP2/3. | – | SM or textile mask. |
| Canada CCO | Y | 1) Staff who treats COVID-19 + pts who or "high-risk" pts for virus transmission: personal protective equipment. | – | – |
| Canada BCC | Y | 2) For high-risk of aerosolization procedures: Consider performing a low-risk procedure. If not possible, use N95 mask. | – | – |
| China | Y | N/A | Y | N/A |
| Croatia HDIO | Y | 1) SM 2) Suspected or confirmed COVID-19: FFP2 respirator. 3) Suspected or confirmed COVID-19, for aerosol generating procedures: FFP3 respirator. | Y | 1) SM or textile mask). 2) Suspected or confirmed COVID-19: SM. |
| Cyprus OEK | Y | SM | Y | SM |
| Czech Republic CSO National governance* | Y* | 1) SM. Tend to use FFP2. 2) Suspect COVID-19: FFP2 respirators, tend to use FFP2. 3) Confirmed COVID-19: FFP2 respirators. | Y* | 1) No COVID-19 signs: SM 2) Suspect COVID-19: SM. 3) Confirmed COVID-19: SM |
| France HPSP | Y | SM | Y | SM |
| Germany/Switzerland Oncopedia | Y | 1) SM or FFP2. 2) Suspected or confirmed COVID-19: PPE+FFP2. | Y | SM or FF2 |
| Greece HESMO | Y | SM | Y | SM |
| Italy AIOM | Y | SM Where available FFP2-FFP3 mask. | Y | SM |
| Netherlands NVMO | Y | No specific mask type. | Y | No specific mask type |
| Portugal SPO | Y | N/A | Y | N/A |
| Slovenia IOL | Y | a) Contact with COVID+ pts: IIR in combination with visir. b) Intubation of surgical COVID-pts, <24 hours: mask FFP2+visir. c) Intubation >;24 hours COVID-pts : mask FFP3+visir. | Y | SM |
| Spain SEOM | Y | SM | Y | Immunosuppressed pts: FFP2 masks, with no valve. |
| Sweden SOF, RCCC | Y (in assessment of patients with COVID-19 symptoms). | No specific mask type. | – | No specific mask type. |
| UK NICE | Y | SM | Y | SM |
| USA ASCO NCCN CDC | Y (CDC) | 1) SM + eye covering. 2) Suspected or confirmed COVID-19: n95. | Y | SM or textile mask |
| Europe ESMO | – | SM | Y | SM |
Personal and Patients’ protective face mask.
SM, Surgical Mask, pts, patients; N/A, Not available.
Summary
Keywords
Covid-19, recommendations, international, oncology, societies
Citation
Kamposioras K, Mauri D, Papadimitriou K, Anthoney A, Hindi N, Petricevic B, Dambrosio M, Valachis A, Kountourakis P, Kopecky J, Kuhar CG, Popovic L, Chilingirova NP, Zarkavelis G, de Mello RA, Plavetić ND, Christopoulos C, Mostert B, Goffin JR, Tzachanis D, Saraireh HH, Ma F, Pavese I and Tolia M (2020) Synthesis of Recommendations From 25 Countries and 31 Oncology Societies: How to Navigate Through Covid-19 Labyrinth. Front. Oncol. 10:575148. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2020.575148
Received
22 June 2020
Accepted
16 October 2020
Published
19 November 2020
Volume
10 - 2020
Edited by
Thierry Olivier Philip, Institut Curie, France
Reviewed by
Yan Du, Fudan University, China; Sudabeh Alatab, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Updates
Copyright
© 2020 Kamposioras, Mauri, Papadimitriou, Anthoney, Hindi, Petricevic, Dambrosio, Valachis, Kountourakis, Kopecky, Kuhar, Popovic, Chilingirova, Zarkavelis, de Mello, Plavetić, Christopoulos, Mostert, Goffin, Tzachanis, Saraireh, Ma, Pavese and Tolia.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Maria Tolia, mariatolia1@gmail.com
This article was submitted to Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, a section of the journal Frontiers in Oncology
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