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Open Access 01-12-2020 | SARS-CoV-2 | Original Article

Measures of infection prevention and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Authors: Christiane Matuschek, Johannes C. Fischer, Stephanie E. Combs, Rainer Fietkau, Stefanie Corradini, Kurt Zänker, Edwin Bölke, Freddy-Joel Djiepmo-Njanang, Balint Tamaskovics, Joachim E. Fischer, Martin Stuschke, Christoph Pöttgen, Robert Förster, Daniel R. Zwahlen, Alexandros Papachristofilou, Ute Ganswindt, Rainer Pelka, E. Marion Schneider, Torsten Feldt, Björn Erik Ole Jensen, Dieter Häussinger, Wolfram Trudo Knoefel, Detlef Kindgen-Milles, Alessia Pedoto, Olaf Grebe, Martijn van Griensven, Wilfried Budach, Jan Haussmann

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 12/2020

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 infection has manifested as a major threat to both patients and healthcare providers around the world. Radiation oncology institutions (ROI) deliver a major component of cancer treatment, with protocols that might span over several weeks, with the result of increasing susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and presenting with a more severe clinical course when compared with the general population. The aim of this manuscript is to investigate the impact of ROI protocols and performance on daily practice in the high-risk cancer patients during this pandemic.

Methods

We addressed the incidence of positive COVID-19 cases in both patients and health care workers (HCW), in addition to the protective measures adopted in ROIs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland using a specific questionnaire.

Results

The results of the questionnaire showed that a noteworthy number of ROIs were able to complete treatment in SARS-CoV‑2 positive cancer patients, with only a short interruption. The ROIs reported a significant decrease in patient volume that was not impacted by the circumambient disease incidence, the type of ROI or the occurrence of positive cases. Of the ROIs 16.5% also reported infected HCWs. About half of the ROIs (50.5%) adopted a screening program for patients whereas only 23.3% also screened their HCWs. The range of protective measures included the creation of working groups, instituting home office work and protection with face masks.

Regarding the therapeutic options offered, curative procedures were performed with either unchanged or moderately decreased schedules, whereas palliative or benign radiotherapy procedures were more often shortened. Most ROIs postponed or cancelled radiation treatment for benign indications (88.1%). The occurrence of SARS-CoV‑2 infections did not affect the treatment options for curative procedures. Non-university-based ROIs seemed to be more willing to change their treatment options for curative and palliative cases than university-based ROIs.

Conclusion

Most ROIs reported a deep impact of SARS-CoV‑2 infections on their work routine. Modification and prioritization of treatment regimens and the application of protective measures preserved a well-functioning radiation oncology service and patient care.

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Title: Measures of infection prevention and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Authors: Christiane Matuschek
Johannes C. Fischer
Stephanie E. Combs
Rainer Fietkau
Stefanie Corradini
Kurt Zänker
Edwin Bölke
Freddy-Joel Djiepmo-Njanang
Balint Tamaskovics
Joachim E. Fischer
Martin Stuschke
Christoph Pöttgen
Robert Förster
Daniel R. Zwahlen
Alexandros Papachristofilou
Ute Ganswindt
Rainer Pelka
E. Marion Schneider
Torsten Feldt
Björn Erik Ole Jensen
Dieter Häussinger
Wolfram Trudo Knoefel
Detlef Kindgen-Milles
Alessia Pedoto
Olaf Grebe
Martijn van Griensven
Wilfried Budach
Jan Haussmann
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2
Care
Radiotherapy
COVID-19
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 12/2020
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-020-01681-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Measures of infection prevention and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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