Gynecologic cancer surveillance in the era of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the management of patients with gynecologic cancers. Many centers have reduced access to routine visits to avoid crowded waiting areas and specially to reduce the infection risk for oncologic patients. The goal of this review is to propose a surveillance algorithm for patients with gynecologic cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic based on existing evidence and established guidelines. It is time to consider strategies based on telemedicine and to adapt protocols in this new era. We hereby propose a strategy for routine surveillance both during and beyond the pandemic.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of newly diagnosed gynecological and breast cancers: a tertiary center perspective

“…Efforts have been taken to organize cancer screening and management during the pandemic including the implementation of telemedicine for the outpatient treatment of cancer survivors to minimize face-to-face appointments [12]. It is recommended to continue oncological surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy based on priorities, while surgeries due to benign diseases should be postponed [13].…”

Lessons learned: Telemedicine patterns and clinical application in patients with gynecologic cancers during COVID-19

“…The use of telemedicine was feasible and has previously been shown to produce cost savings (8). A hybrid model which incorporates or alternates telemedicine visits with in-person visits may be beneficial, and existing frameworks have been outlined, the most notable being the “risk-based surveillance” schema proposed by Mancebo et al ( Mancebo et al, 2021 ). While more outcomes-based work needs to be done, this method of care has the potential to save patients significant time and resources, reduce community exposure to COVID19 (or other emerging communicable diseases) and allow clinical care to continue more efficiently.…”

COVID-19 and Gynecologic Oncology: What Have We Learned?

“…Given the increased vulnerability of oncology patients to COVID-19, post-treatment surveillance for gynecologic malignancies, including in-person visits for exams, laboratory testing, and imaging studies, should be tailored to take into account this risk [ 4 ••, 23 ••, 28 ]. Surveillance algorithms for cervical, endometrial, and epithelial ovarian cancers were proposed by Mancebo et al with the suggestion of alternating or integrating telemedicine visits with in-person visits using a shared decision-making model as outlined below (Table 2 ) [ 29 ]:…”

“…Surveillance algorithms for cervical, endometrial, and epithelial ovarian cancers were proposed by Mancebo et al with the suggestion of alternating or integrating telemedicine visits with in-person visits using a shared decision-making model as outlined below (Table 2 ) [ 29 ]:…”