As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the globe, cancer patients are experiencing disruptions in the treatment of their disease and are being advised to delay chemotherapy, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Sehrish Rafique PhD, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “In these uncertain times, medical oncologists must weigh the benefit of treatment against the potential risks for cancer patients. In some cases, this can include modifying treatment plans to take a less aggressive approach. While many solid tumor or hematological cancer patients require rapid diagnosis and treatment, other common cancers may not have this urgency.”
In both the US and Europe, authorities have recommended the reprioritization of urgent healthcare treatments since early March. The UK is one of many countries to have suspended elective surgeries.
Rafique continues: “With no explicit guidelines in place, medical oncologists and multidisciplinary teams must make difficult decisions and modify treatment plans on a case-by-case basis.”
.jpg){kind=tracking}
