Dilemma and solutions of treatment delay in cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center, prospective survey.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the protective and medical resources were limited, while a limited number of studies have concentrated on the influences of COVID-19 on the treatment of cancer patients. This survey aimed to explore the protective awareness about COVID-19, the incidence and factors influencing treatment delay, and expected treatment modality of cancer patients, so as to assist cancer patients. METHODS: A current prospective, online survey was conducted through the WeChat platform on cancer outpatients at the Department of Peking University Third Hospital in China from March 4 to April 4, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients completed the survey after excluding 35 patients with an incomplete questionnaire. Note that 100% of the patients wore masks and paid attention to hand hygiene during the hospital visits, 73.0% of the patients had a strong desire to treat cancer, and 41.8% experienced treatment delay. The rate of treatment delay among the patients treated in other departments was markedly higher than that in our department (64.7% vs. 38.7%, p = .042). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the previous treatment department was independently correlated with treatment delay. Moreover, 51.8% of the patients preferred to receive chemotherapy in the day ward, 54.6% hoped to receive a strong contact with doctors, and 83.7% would like to receive online therapeutic consultation. CONCLUSION: The rate of treatment delay was remarkable, which may be related to previous treatment departments. Promotion of "active management of attending physician" and "telemedicine" may be highly advantageous for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.