Onkológia 2/2021

COVID 19 and cancer – ESMO recommendations

Cancer patients have been reported to be at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection and of running a more severe disease course, with a higher proportion requiring greater levels of intensive care, having a more rapidly evolving disease and an increased risk of death. Labeling all cancer patients as ‘COVID-19 vulnerable’ is not correct. The consequence is, that cancer patients (of any age, sex or tumour subtype and stage) have been labeled as high risk for COVID-19 and this has led to sweeping changes in cancer management for all cancer types over the last few months, including abbreviation of radiotherapy , switching from intravenous to oral chemotherapy regimens and the avoidance of immunotherapy. Pandemic situation is evolving, and pragmatic actions may be required to deal with the challenges of treating patients, while ensuring their rights, safety and wellbeing. The ESMO has issued recommendations that should be used as guidance for prioritising the various aspects of cancer care in order to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of cancer patients. ESMO›s multidisciplinary consensus of experts concerns the management of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly key controversial clinical areas and technical issuesfrom diagnosis to therapeutic planning. Based on the current available knowledge, the ESMO has also developed and reviewed answers to key questions on the efficacy and safety of vaccines targeting the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The main goal is to help to deliver the best possible care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, ESMO recommendations, ESMO consensus, vaccination