Onkológia 2/2021

COVID-19 and oncological patients

COVID-19 pandemic and its global consequences present the greatest challenge in medicine and economics from the era of Spanish flu after World War I. If we want to understand complex diagnostic process, therapy and risk stratification in infected patients, we must understand pathophysiological mechanisms of the genesis and development of this infection. Because this is a new disease, it is important to continually reevaluate approaches in order to improve the management. Specific group of patients are the cancer patients, who are significantly affected by pandemic, whether in diagnosis or treatment. Because of the epidemiological risk in order to secure healthcare for these patients, a thorough triage is important according to the recommendation of oncological societies.

Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, hypoxic respiratory failure, oncology