Changes in the Management of Malignant Bone Tumors in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Developing Countries.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has drastically affected healthcare delivery to cancer patients, including those with malignant bone tumors, worldwide. Such cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and risk contracting the severe disease, but their holistic tumor management has also suffered a significant impact. Because of the acute shortage of healthcare resources due to their diversion in COVID management, substantial changes are needed in various aspects of management for high-grade tumor patients, particularly in developing countries and population-dense regions, so that their evidence-based appropriate treatment is ensured. Owing to a lack of consensus regarding the ideal course of action for the management of malignant bone tumors in the current situation, many such patients often get neglected, leading to loss of life/limb. This review elaborates on various guidelines proposed by different healthcare organizations and institutes regarding the modified care pathways for malignant bone neoplasms in the current coronavirus pandemic. The early published results of these modified care pathways and the changes in the oncology practice brought about by the pandemic are also discussed.