Impact of covid-19 on patients in radiotherapy oncology departaments in Spain
Abstract
On December 31, 2019 a cluster of cases of pneumonia were first described in Wuhan, caused by a novel type of coronavirus called SARS CoV 2. This virus causes various clinical manifestations encompassed under the term COVID-19.
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In Spain, the most critical period was between February 15 and May 15, 2020. During this time, various different case definitions were provided. Initial data showed that patients with cancer are at highest risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease.
In this pandemic context, risks and benefits of receiving cancer treatment should be carefully weighted. Treatment RT delays and interruptions can negatively impact outcome and long-term survival. Another fact to consider is that in a ROD protective measures among staff and changes in its r egular workflow must be implemented when treating COVID-19 patients.
The objectives of this study are to analyze the incidence of COVID-19 in patients referred to RODs in Spain, subsequent treatment modifications and to determine death-related risk factors due to COVID-19.