Treatment of Cancer Patients in the Era of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by novel coronavirus and has reached pandemic state. Cancer patients have increase susceptibility to infection caused by the malignancy itself and anticancer systemic therapy. Based on individual patient assessment, the oncologist's decision regarding the need for immediate oncological intervention classifies patients into 'urgent' and 'non-urgent' conditions. Consideration of risk and benefit for active intervention in the cancer population during an infectious disease pandemic must be individualized. Consideration for postponing elective surgery or chemotherapy for cancer patients with low risk of progression should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Options for treating or delaying treatment are best discussed with the patient in the context of multidisciplinary care.