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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Kidney Cancer | Original Article

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on renal cancer care

Authors: Hilin Yildirim, Adriaan D. Bins, Corina van den Hurk, R. Jeroen A. van Moorselaar, Martijn G. H. van Oijen, Axel Bex, Patricia J. Zondervan, Katja K. H. Aben

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) care in the Netherlands.

Methods

Newly diagnosed RCCs between 2018 and 2021 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry; 2020–2021 was defined as COVID period and 2018–2019 as reference period. Numbers of RCCs were evaluated using 3-week-moving averages, overall and by disease stage and age. Changes in treatment were evaluated with logistic regression analyses. To evaluate possible delays in care, time to start of treatment was assessed. The cumulative number of metastatic RCC (mRCC) over time was assessed to evaluate stage shift.

Results

During the 1st COVID wave (weeks 9–22, 2020), the number of new RCC diagnoses decreased with 15%. Numbers restored partially in 2020, but remained 10% lower compared to 2018/2019. The decline was mostly due to a drop in T1a/T1b RCCs and in age > 70 years. 2021 showed similar numbers of new RCC diagnoses compared to 2018/2019 without an increase due to previously missed RCCs. Treatment-related changes during the 1st COVID wave were limited and temporarily; less surgery in T1a RCCs in favor of more active surveillance, and in mRCC targeted therapy was preferred over immunotherapy. Time to start of firstline treatment was not prolonged during the 1st COVID wave. No increase in mRCC was found until the end of 2021.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in fewer RCC diagnoses, especially T1a/T1b tumors. Treatment-related changes appeared to be limited, temporarily and in accordance with the adapted guidelines. The diagnostic delay could lead to more advanced RCCs in later years but there are no indications for this yet.

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Title: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on renal cancer care
Authors: Hilin Yildirim
Adriaan D. Bins
Corina van den Hurk
R. Jeroen A. van Moorselaar
Martijn G. H. van Oijen
Axel Bex
Patricia J. Zondervan
Katja K. H. Aben
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer
COVID-19
Renal Cancer
Targeted Therapy
Nephrectomy
Nephrectomy
Nephrectomy
Published in: World Journal of Urology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-024-04925-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on renal cancer care

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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