Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

IntroductionCancer patients are among the groups at high risk in the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) during the pandemic period and examine the prognostic factors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodPatients with stage I-III NSCLC were treated in our hospitals between 2020-2022. Treatment responses were evaluated in patients who underwent NACT. Prognostic factors and the nutritional and inflammatory indexes were investigated. ResultsThirty-eight patients received NACT. 57.9% of patients were stage-III. The objective response rate was 57.9%. Pathological complete response was obtained in 10.5% of patients. No prognostic role of inflammatory indices was determined. 21.1% of patients developed a COVID-19 infection. Disease-free survival was 19 months. Survival decreased with large tumor size and presence of metastasis. ConclusionNACT has high response rates. NACT can be used as bridging therapy in suitable patients whose surgery is postponed during the pandemic period.