2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP06.01-006. Multidisciplinary Team during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The BE-PACIFIC Italian Observational Study Analysis

EP06.01-006. Multidisciplinary Team during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The BE-PACIFIC Italian Observational Study Analysis

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on cancer care and practices worldwide. In Italy, emergency measures were implemented, including a national lockdown and reorganization of health institutions. The BE-PACIFIC study was conducted to evaluate the management of patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during the pandemic. A total of 296 eligible patients were included in the study, with 222 diagnosed before the first lockdown and 74 diagnosed during the pandemic.<br /><br />During the pandemic, 65% of sites reported an impact on diagnosis and patient management, including changes in follow-up contact modalities and delays in radiological evaluations. There was also a decrease in the number of diagnostic procedures and NSCLC conclusive diagnoses. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings were affected, with some sites reporting the absence or temporary absence of MDT meetings and changes in frequency and modality. The diagnostic process also saw a reduced presence of healthcare professionals, including pathologists, molecular biologists, and radiation oncologists.<br /><br />Changes in treatment practices were reported, but to a lesser extent than diagnostic and follow-up processes. Delayed surgeries and delayed start of treatments were reported at some sites, and there were changes in treatment type and schedule. However, the impact on treatment practices was not as significant as the impact on diagnosis and follow-up.<br /><br />The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a greater impact on diagnostic and follow-up processes than on cancer treatment practices. The changes in MDT composition and schedule may persist even after the acute phase of the pandemic. However, efforts are being made to improve lung cancer care and return to pre-pandemic or higher-quality care.<br /><br />The study was sponsored by AstraZeneca Italy and conducted with support from MediNeos S.U.R.L.

Asset Subtitle

Enrica Capelletto

Meta Tag

Speaker Enrica Capelletto

Topic Management of Lung Cancer in the Era of COVID-25

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic

cancer care

practices worldwide

Italy

emergency measures

national lockdown

reorganization of health institutions

BE-PACIFIC study

stage III non-small cell lung cancer

patient management