Management of cervical cancer during the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) era

Br J Radiol. 2021 Jan 1;94(1117):20200686. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20200686. Epub 2020 Nov 20.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the society, economy and heath-care system all over the globe with virus showing no signs of losing potency. As the situation appears to worsen, extra burden on other specialities like oncology seems to increase. Specific recommendations are necessary for management of cervical cancer in the current context. All concerned specialities must work together in the best interest of the patient. Attempts should be made at managing cervical cancer while limiting the viral spread among the patients and health-care workers without the loss of opportunity. Surgical intervention for early cervical cancer should be postponed or alternative modalities be considered. In a locally advanced disease, concurrent chemoradiation is the treatment of choice. In addition, the following under mentioned suggestions aim to discuss ways of minimizing infection spread, workload rationalization and providing guidance for management of cervical cancer in the presence of COVID-19 infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • COVID-19* / transmission
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / radiotherapy*