The Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Care in the Post Pandemic World: Five Major Lessons Learnt from Challenges and Countermeasures of Major Asian Cancer Centres

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected healthcare services around Asia. The Asian National Cancer Centres Alliance and the Asia-Pacific Organisation for Cancer Prevention collaborated to assess the mid-and long-term impact of COVID-19 to cancer care in Asia. Methods: The two entities organised a combined symposium and post-meeting interactions among representatives of major cancer centres from seventeen Asian countries to outlining major challenges and countermeasures. Results: Participating stakeholders distilled five big questions. 1) "Will there be an explosion of late-stage cancers after the pandemic?" To address and recover from perceived delayed prevention, screening, treatment and care challenges, collaboration of key stakeholders in the region and alignment in cancer care management, policy intervention and cancer registry initiatives would be of essential value. 2) "Operations and Finance" The pandemic has resulted in significant material and financial casualties. Flagged acute challenges (shortages of supplies, imposition of lockdown) as well as longer-standing reduction of financial revenue, manpower, international collaboration, and training should also be addressed. 3) "Will telemedicine and technological innovations revolutionize cancer care?" Deploying and implementing telemedicine such as teleconsultation and virtual tumour boards were considered invaluable. These innovations could become a new regular practice, leading to expansion of tele-collaboration through collaboration of institutions in the region. 4) "Will virtual conferences continue after the pandemic?" Virtual conferences during the pandemic have opened new doors for knowledge sharing, especially for representatives of low-and middle-income countries in the region, while saving time and costs of travel. 5) "How do we prepare for the next pandemic or international emergency?" Roadmaps for action to improve access to appropriate patient care and research were identified and scrutinised. Conclusion: Through addressing these five big questions, focused collaboration among members and with international organisations such as City Cancer Challenge will allow enhanced preparedness for future international emergencies.

Decreased Global Interest in Oral Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Moreover, shortages of medical staff were reported in nine institutions (Singapore, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Iran, Indonesia, India, and Bangladesh). Prevention of cancer in the present and in preparation for upcoming pandemics, should be directed at restructuring redundant clinical and research requirements, publication of exploratory findings, heightening cooperation between cancer centers, and improvement of public cancer awareness (Gatellier et al, 2021).…”

“…A previous study analyzed search interests for oral cancer in Filipino people, but an analysis of global GT data has not been done yet (Dalanon et al, 2020). In addition, the existing contagion brought about by the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) may have implications in cancer prevention and treatment in Asian and low-and middle-income countries (Gatellier et al, 2021;Somathunga et al, 2021;Varela-Centelles et al, 2021;Yadav et al, 2021).…”

Economic Burden in Treated Japanese Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma

“…Global studies of oncology and COVID-19 also suggest the use of telehealth, avoidance of non-essential visits, and minimization of exposure periods [ 43–45 , 48 ]. Although there is some evidence of changes in medical encounters in other chronic disease practices in Japan [ 49–51 ] and increased use of telemedicine in some centers [ 52 ], the widespread use of telemedicine and treatment changes in oncology remains limited and cannot be well observed in this claims database study.…”

The Interplay between COVID-19 and Cancer: Challenges and Perspectives

“…In addition, several health care workers have faced emotional burnout due to the psychological burden of loss, fear of getting infected, long working hours, difficulty due to continuous use of PPE, social stigma among family and neighbors, and problems with staying away from their families after caring for patients with COVID-19. 31 It is now known that patients who recover from COVID-19 may continue to have persistent debilitating symptoms for several months after the initial infection, known as "post-COVID-19 syndrome" or "long COVID-19." The World Health Organization defines post-COVID-19 condition as "occurring in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19, with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis."…”