Cancers

Research

14 pages, 1075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Changes on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Mortality of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Tertiary Center in Western Romania

by Calin Burciu, Bogdan Miutescu, Renata Bende, Deiana Burciu, Tudor Voicu Moga, Alina Popescu, Alexandru Popa, Felix Bende, Eyad Gadour, Adrian Burdan, Dana Iovanescu, Mirela Danila and Roxana Sirli

Cancers 2025, 17(10), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17101660 - 14 May 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Access to healthcare services was significantly restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to changes in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited research has examined how these changes evolved post-pandemic. This study evaluated the impact of the pandemic at a tertiary [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Access to healthcare services was significantly restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to changes in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited research has examined how these changes evolved post-pandemic. This study evaluated the impact of the pandemic at a tertiary center in Romania, focusing on diagnosis rates, treatments, and survival outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study conducted at Timișoara County Hospital divided patients into three equal cohorts of 23 months each: the pre-pandemic period (PreP: 1 May 2018–31 March 2020), the pandemic period (PandP: 1 April 2020–28 February 2022), and the post-pandemic period (PostP: 1 March 2022–31 January 2024). Newly diagnosed HCC cases were evaluated for the tumor stage, biological markers, and treatment received during each period. A survival census was conducted nine months after the diagnosis. Results: During the PandP and PostP periods, the numbers of newly diagnosed HCC cases decreased to 58 cases (p < 0.001) and 64 cases (p < 0.005), respectively, representing reductions of 38.3% and 31.9% compared to the PreP period, which had 94 cases. The proportion of patients in the BCLC-B stage increased from 31.9% in the PreP period to 50% during the PandP period (p = 0.0401), with fewer BCLC-A-0 cases (17% vs 5.1%; p = 0.059) during PandP. The tumor characteristics, BCLC classification, and TNM staging showed no significant differences between the PreP and PostP periods. Systemic therapy was the most commonly used treatment (39.7–50%). No significant differences were observed across treatment types when comparing all three periods (p > 0.05). The median follow-up times in the PreP, PandP, and PostP periods were 157.5, 159.5, and 183.5 days, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. The survival curve showed no statistically significant differences in survival between the groups at the nine-month follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic decreased HCC diagnoses, with only a partial rebound in the PostP period that did not reach PreP levels. While the PandP period showed worsening BCLC staging and an increase in tumor numbers, the tumor stage and treatment in the PostP period were similar to those in the PreP period. Similarly, the nine-month survival rates remained similar across all three periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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12 pages, 2077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk and COVID-19 Prevalence and Mortality in Cancer Patients During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in a Virus Epicenter in Northern Italy

by Matilde Corianò, Luca Isella, Chiara Tommasi, Benedetta Pellegrino, Maria Michiara, Daniela Boggiani, Francesca Pucci, Alessandro Leonetti, Sabrina Bizzoco, Paola Affanni, Licia Veronesi, Elena Rapacchi, Olga Serra, Paolo Sgargi, Giuseppe Maglietta and Antonino Musolino

Cancers 2025, 17(9), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17091536 - 1 May 2025

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Abstract

Background/objectives: Cancer patients are more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 due to their immunocompromised status. This study aims to evaluate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as COVID-19 prevalence and mortality, in cancer patients during the first wave of the [...] Read more.

Background/objectives: Cancer patients are more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 due to their immunocompromised status. This study aims to evaluate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as COVID-19 prevalence and mortality, in cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a virus epicenter of Northern Italy. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 40,148 prevalent cancer patients from the province of Parma, Italy, between February and June 2020. Patients were identified from health system records and classified by cancer subtype, treatment status, and COVID-19 diagnosis. The risk of infection and mortality was analyzed using odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR). Results: Among cancer patients, those on active cancer treatment had a higher cumulative risk of all-cause death (HR 1.83, p < 0.000268). Cancer subtype significantly impacted COVID-19 outcomes, with breast cancer patients showing lower incidence and mortality compared to those with lung, colorectal, or bladder cancers. Conclusions: Cancer patients, especially those on active treatment, are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and death. Tailored prevention strategies, including prioritization of vaccination and careful management of cancer treatments, are crucial to mitigate risks during pandemics. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical decision-making in oncological care during public health crises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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11 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Experience with the Available Outpatient COVID-19 THErapies in Patients with canceR (CO.THER)

by Angioletta Lasagna, Giulia Gambini, Catherine Klersy, Simone Figini, Sofia Marino, Paolo Sacchi and Paolo Pedrazzoli

Cancers 2025, 17(6), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17060999 - 17 Mar 2025

Viewed by 440

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cancer represents an important risk factor for acquiring severe acute respiratory syndrome by Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and subsequent hospitalization. The utility of early antiviral therapies, including their protective effect on long COVID outcomes, in cancer patients has not yet been clearly demonstrated. We [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Cancer represents an important risk factor for acquiring severe acute respiratory syndrome by Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and subsequent hospitalization. The utility of early antiviral therapies, including their protective effect on long COVID outcomes, in cancer patients has not yet been clearly demonstrated. We conducted the CO.THER study (COVID-19 THErapies in patients with canceR) to address this knowledge gap. Methods: We designed an ambispective single-center cohort study. We collected clinical and oncological data from the hospital’s electronic patient records at the start of COVID-19 therapy (T0), seven days after T0 (T1), two weeks after T0 (T2), one month after T0 (T3), three months after T0 (T4), six months after T0 (T5), and twelve months after T0 (T6). The primary endpoint of this ambispective single-center cohort study was the rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 disease within 14 days in cancer patients using anti-SARS-CoV-2 early therapies. The proportion of hospitalizations within 14 days (primary endpoint) was computed together with its exact binomial 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: 131 patients’ records (53M [40.5%], 78F, [59.5%]; median age 62.45, interquartile range [IQR] 56–71) were enrolled. As shown by the Kaplan–Meier hospitalization-free estimate, only three patients (2.1%) were hospitalized for a COVID-19 related cause within 14 days of starting early treatment (95%CI 0.5–6.6%). The cumulative survival probability beyond 12 months in hospitalization-free patients was 98% (95%CI 93–99%). Twelve patients (9.2%) reported another COVID-19 infection during the follow-up and they were all retreated with Nirmatrelvir–Ritonavir. The cumulative reinfection-free survival was 90% at 12 months (95%CI 83–95%). Further, 15 patients of the 123 evaluable at 3 months (median age 51 years, IQR 40–68) reported long COVID symptoms (12.2%, 95%CI 7.0–19.3%). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate a low rate of hospitalization and reassuring data on safety in this cohort of high-risk subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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14 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shorter Time to Biopsy of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hungary

by Éva Szabó, Eszter Kopjár, László Rumi, Szabolcs Bellyei, Antal Zemplényi, Emese Mátyus, Eszter Édes, János Girán, István Kiss, István Szanyi and Éva Pozsgai

Cancers 2025, 17(3), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030360 - 23 Jan 2025

Viewed by 745

Abstract

Background/objectives: The goal of this investigation was to compare the time to biopsy (TBI) and time to treatment (TTI) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the effect of demographic and clinical [...] Read more.

Background/objectives: The goal of this investigation was to compare the time to biopsy (TBI) and time to treatment (TTI) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the effect of demographic and clinical characteristics on these intervals. Methods: Our retrospective study at a large regional Hungarian cancer center analyzed data from patients aged 18 or older diagnosed with HNSCC between 1 January 2017 and 15 March 2020 (pre-COVID-19 period) and 16 March 2020 to 13 May 2021 (COVID-19 period). We calculated the time from initial physician contact to biopsy (TBI) and from biopsy to treatment initiation (TTI) and performed descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses. Results: The median TBI decreased significantly (6 vs. 3 days; p = 0.008), while the median TTI was not affected significantly (28 vs. 29 days; p = 0.972) pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, respectively. Residence in a village was linked to a significant reduction in median TBI during the pandemic (p = 0.000), coinciding with a higher proportion of rural patients diagnosed with oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancers during the pandemic (50.3% pre-pandemic vs. 67.4% during pandemic, p = 0.044). Median TTI decreased significantly during the pandemic for patients with laryngeal tumors (27.5 vs. 18.5 days; p = 0.012). Conclusions: Our study, one of a few from this region, provides insights into HNSCC patient waiting times. Improvement in TBI likely resulted from the availability of telemedicine, reduced diagnostic demands from non-cancer patients, and an increased incidence of oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancer among rural patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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14 pages, 1383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Histopathological Cancer Diagnostics in Lower Silesia: A Comparative Analysis of Prostate, Breast, and Colorectal Cancer from 2018 to 2022

by Danuta Szkudlarek, Katarzyna Kalinowska and Benita Wiatrak

Cancers 2025, 17(1), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010134 - 3 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide including cancer diagnostics. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on histopathological cancer diagnostics in Lower Silesia, Poland, specifically focusing on prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer cases from 2018 to 2022. [...] Read more.

Background/Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide including cancer diagnostics. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on histopathological cancer diagnostics in Lower Silesia, Poland, specifically focusing on prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer cases from 2018 to 2022. The objective was to evaluate diagnostic volumes and trends before, during, and after the pandemic and to understand the effect of healthcare disruptions on cancer detection. Methods: Histopathological and cytological data were collected from multiple laboratories across Lower Silesia. Samples were categorized into three periods: pre-pandemic (January 2018–February 2020), pandemic (March 2020–May 2022), and post-pandemic (June–December 2022). Statistical analyses included comparisons of diagnostic volumes and positive diagnoses across these periods. Results: A significant reduction in the number of histopathological examinations occurred during the pandemic, particularly during its early phase. This decline was accompanied by a higher frequency of positive cancer diagnoses, suggesting the prioritization of high-risk cases. Post-pandemic, diagnostic activity showed partial recovery, though it remained below the pre-pandemic levels, with notable differences across cancer types. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cancer diagnostics in Lower Silesia, delaying detection and highlighting healthcare system vulnerabilities. These findings underscore the importance of resilient healthcare systems that can ensure the continuity of essential diagnostic services and address inequalities in access to care during crises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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13 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Time to Initial Physician Contact and Cancer Stage Distribution during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma at a Large Hungarian Cancer Center

by Éva Szabó, Eszter Kopjár, László Rumi, Árpád Boronkai, Szabolcs Bellyei, Zoltán Gyöngyi, Antal Zemplényi, Balázs Sütő, János Girán, István Kiss, Éva Pozsgai and István Szanyi

Cancers 2024, 16(14), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16142570 - 18 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

The aim of our study was to compare the characteristics and time to initial physician contact in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large Hungarian cancer center. This was a retrospective study [...] Read more.

The aim of our study was to compare the characteristics and time to initial physician contact in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large Hungarian cancer center. This was a retrospective study of patients 18 years or older presenting at the regional cancer center of Pécs Clinical Center with HNSCC between 1 January 2017, and 15 March 2020 (the pre-COVID-19 period) and between 16 March 2020, and 13 May 2021 (the COVID-19 period). Demographic and clinical data were collected, and the time between initial symptom onset and initial physician contact (TTP) was determined. Descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses were performed. On average, the number of patients diagnosed with HNSCC per month during the pandemic decreased by 12.4% compared with the pre-COVID-19 period. There was a significant increase in stage I and stage II cancers (from 15.9% to 20.3% and from 12.2% to 13.8%, respectively; p < 0.001); a decrease in stage III and IVa,c cancers; and a significant increase in stage IVb cancers (from 6% to 19.9%; p < 0.001) during the pandemic. The median TTP increased during the pandemic from 43 to 61 days (p = 0.032). To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the effect of COVID-19 on patients with HNSCC in the Central–Eastern European region. We found a bidirectional shift in cancer stages and increased TTP during the pandemic. Our findings highlight the necessity for more nuanced analyses of the effects of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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10 pages, 886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Characteristics and Management of Uveal Melanoma in the National Referral Center in Poland

by Bożena Romanowska-Dixon, Michał Szymon Nowak, Janusz Śmigielski and Magdalena Dębicka-Kumela

Cancers 2024, 16(11), 2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16112061 - 29 May 2024

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Abstract

(1) Background: to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the characteristics and management of uveal melanoma (UM) in the National Referral Center in Poland. (2) Materials and Methods: the retrospective analysis of 1336 patients who were newly diagnosed with UM at [...] Read more.

(1) Background: to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the characteristics and management of uveal melanoma (UM) in the National Referral Center in Poland. (2) Materials and Methods: the retrospective analysis of 1336 patients who were newly diagnosed with UM at the Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Oncology, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum Krakow, Poland between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021. The demographic and clinical data were compiled, including localization, size, and treatment methods of tumors. (3) Results: In total, 728 patients with UM were included before the COVID-19 pandemic, in the years 2018–2019, and 608 were included during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the years 2020–2021. Fixed-base dynamics indicators for the incidence of uveal melanoma (base year 2018) in the National Referral Center in Poland were 80.22% and 86.81% in the years 2020 and 2021, respectively. UMs were statistically significantly larger and more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe in the year 2021 than in the year 2018 (Chi-square Pearson test p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0077, respectively). The rate of patients treated with enucleation increased from 15.94% in the year 2018 to 26.90% in the year 2021 (Chi-square Pearson test p = 0.0005). (4) Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found in the management of uveal melanoma in the National Referral Center in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic with tumors being larger, more frequently localized anterior to the equator of the eye globe, and more often enucleated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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14 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Year-Span Breast Cancer Screening Uptake in Japan after the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Association with the COVID-19 Vaccination

by Aminu Kende Abubakar, Yudai Kaneda, Akihiko Ozaki, Hiroaki Saito, Michio Murakami, Daisuke Hori, Kenji Gonda, Masaharu Tsubokura and Takahiro Tabuchi

Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091783 - 5 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3796

Abstract

There is limited information on whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with decreased breast cancer screening uptake and if COVID-19 vaccination was associated with an increase in screening uptake. Our study explored the uptake of breast cancer screening in Japan after the COVID-19 [...] Read more.

There is limited information on whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with decreased breast cancer screening uptake and if COVID-19 vaccination was associated with an increase in screening uptake. Our study explored the uptake of breast cancer screening in Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic and assessed its association with the COVID-19 vaccination. We analyzed data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS), a web-based prospective cohort survey, and we included 6110 women without cancer history who were aged 40 to 74 years that participated in the 2012 and 2022 surveys. We examined the regular breast cancer screening uptake before and after the pandemic and employed a multivariable Poisson regression model to seek any association between COVID-19 vaccination and screening uptake. Of 6110, 38.2% regularly participated in screening before the pandemic and 46.9% did so after the pandemic. Individuals unvaccinated due to health reasons (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.29–0.77, p = 0.003) and for other reasons (IRR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62–0.86, p < 0.001) were less likely to undergo screening compared to fully vaccinated individuals. There was no long-term decrease in breast cancer screening uptake after the pandemic in Japan. Vaccination was linked to increased uptake, but there was no dose relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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7 pages, 513 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

COVID-19 and Cancer Detection in Russia

by Andrey Sudarikov

Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091673 - 26 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Overdiagnosis, associated with mass testing in healthy populations, is a significant issue for breast, prostate, renal, and thyroid cancers. During the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensity of cancer screening was expected to go down. In this study, we analyzed the [...] Read more.

Overdiagnosis, associated with mass testing in healthy populations, is a significant issue for breast, prostate, renal, and thyroid cancers. During the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensity of cancer screening was expected to go down. In this study, we analyzed the impact of the expected reduction in screening intensity on morbidity and mortality from certain malignancies. Cumulative data from the Russian National Cancer Registry available from 2000 to 2022 were analyzed. It was noted that there has been no noticeable effect of the COVID-19 lockdowns on mortality rates from breast, prostate, renal, or thyroid cancers. At the same time, the detectable incidence decreased markedly in 2020 at the time of the lockdowns and then returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. At the moment, there is no sufficient reason to believe that skipping screening tests in 2020 could have any impact on breast, prostate, renal, or thyroid cancer mortality two years later (2022). The data presented further confirm that the overdiagnosis of these types of malignancies is caused by widespread screening among a generally healthy population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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12 pages, 1182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of COVID-19 and Lung Cancer: Short-Term and Long-Term Interactions

by Ying-Long Peng, Zi-Yan Wang, Ri-Wei Zhong, Shi-Qi Mei, Jia-Qi Liu, Li-Bo Tang, Zhi Guo, Zi-Rui Ren, Lv Wu, Yu Deng, Zhi-Hong Chen, Qing Zhou and Chong-Rui Xu

Cancers 2024, 16(2), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020304 - 11 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3450

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has been ravaging the globe for more than three years. Due to systemic immunosuppression of anti-tumor therapy, application of chemotherapy and adverse effects of surgery, the short- and long-term prognosis of cancer patients to COVID-19 are of significant concern. Method [...] Read more.

Background: COVID-19 has been ravaging the globe for more than three years. Due to systemic immunosuppression of anti-tumor therapy, application of chemotherapy and adverse effects of surgery, the short- and long-term prognosis of cancer patients to COVID-19 are of significant concern. Method: This research included three parts of data. The first part of the data came from the public database that covered Veneto residents. The second part of the data included participants in Guangzhou. The third part of the data was used for MR analysis. We assessed the associations by logistic, linear or Cox regression when appropriate. Result: Lung cancer patients with COVID-19 had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) after COVID-19 (Model II: HR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.6~6.72; Model III: HR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.45~7.95), compared with lung cancer patients without COVID-19. Targeted therapy patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection more quickly (Model I: β: −0.58, 95% CI: −0.75~−0.41; Model II: β: −0.59, 95% CI: −0.76~−0.41; Model III: β: −0.57; 95% CI: −0.75~−0.40). Conclusions: PFS in lung cancer patients is shortened by COVID-19. The outcome of COVID-19 in lung cancer patients was not significantly different from that of the healthy population. In lung cancer patients, targeted therapy patients had a better outcome of COVID-19, while chemotherapy patients had the worst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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13 pages, 1453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Mortality in Pennsylvania: A Retrospective Study with Geospatial Analysis

by Savanna G. Ledford, Fritz Kessler, Jennifer L. Moss, Ming Wang and Eugene J. Lengerich

Cancers 2023, 15(19), 4788; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194788 - 29 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1946

Abstract

Background. We sought to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer mortality and identify associated factors in Pennsylvania. Methods. The retrospective study analyzed cross-sectional cancer mortality data from CDC WONDER for 2015 through 2020 for Pennsylvania and its 67 counties. The [...] Read more.

Background. We sought to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer mortality and identify associated factors in Pennsylvania. Methods. The retrospective study analyzed cross-sectional cancer mortality data from CDC WONDER for 2015 through 2020 for Pennsylvania and its 67 counties. The spatial distributions of 2019, 2020, and percentage change in age-adjusted mortality rates by county were analyzed via choropleth maps and spatial autocorrelation. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to analyze whether the rates differed between 2019 and 2020. Quasi-Poisson and geographically weighted regression at the county level were used to assess the association between the 2019 rates, sex (percent female), race (percent non-White), ethnicity (percent Hispanic/Latino), rural–urban continuum codes, and socioeconomic status with the 2020 rates. Results. At the state level, the rate in 2020 did not reflect the declining annual trend (−2.7 per 100,000) in the rate since 2015. Twenty-six counties had an increase in the rate in 2020. Of the factors examined, the 2019 rates were positively associated with the 2020 rates, and the impact of sociodemographic and geographic factors on the 2020 rates varied by county. Conclusions. In Pennsylvania, the 2020 cancer mortality rates did not decline as much as reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. The top five cancer types by rate were the same type for 2019 and 2020. Future cancer control efforts may need to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trends and geospatial distribution in cancer mortality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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13 pages, 995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Outcomes of Liver Cancer Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery after Recovering from Mild SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

by Yizhou Wang, Junyong Ma, Yali Wu, Shichao Zhang, Xifeng Li, Yong Xia, Zhenlin Yan, Jian Liu, Feng Shen and Xiaofeng Zhang

Cancers 2023, 15(17), 4254; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15174254 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1573

Abstract

With the emergence of new virus variants, limited data are available on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection on surgery outcomes in cancer patients who have been widely vaccinated. This study aimed to determine whether undergoing hepatectomy poses a higher risk of postoperative [...] Read more.

With the emergence of new virus variants, limited data are available on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection on surgery outcomes in cancer patients who have been widely vaccinated. This study aimed to determine whether undergoing hepatectomy poses a higher risk of postoperative complications for liver cancer patients who have had mild Omicron infection before surgery. A propensity-matched cohort study was conducted at a tertiary liver center from 8 October 2022 to 13 January 2023. In total, 238 liver cancer patients who underwent hepatectomy were included, with 57 (23.9%) recovering from preoperative SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection and 190 (79.8%) receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Pre- and post-matching, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative outcomes between preoperative COVID-19 recovered patients and COVID-19 negative patients. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the COVID-19 status was not associated with postoperative major pulmonary and cardiac complications. However, preexisting comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 4.645; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.295–16.667), laparotomy (OR, 10.572; 95% CI, 1.220–91.585), and COVID-19 unvaccinated (OR, 5.408; 95% CI, 1.489–19.633) had increased odds of major complications related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, liver cancer patients who have recovered from preoperative COVID-19 do not face an increased risk of postoperative complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How COVID-19 Affects Cancer Patients)

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