Patients with cancer in the COVID-19 era: the clinical trial issue

Tumori. 2020 Aug;106(4):271-272. doi: 10.1177/0300891620933672. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospital reorganization may result in reduced ability for the hospital to fully use its armamentarium for battling cancer. Thus different therapeutic modalities have been recommended. During the pandemic, despite regulatory agencies' recommendations, several considerations and doubts remain for oncologic clinical trials. Considering patients who had been enrolled before the pandemic, and who plan to take the study medication, the situation becomes complicated. These patients should undergo monitoring visits, blood sampling, questionnaire, physical examination, and drug and radiation administration. To avoid deviations from the protocol and trial discontinuation, follow-up should be performed regularly, in concordance with safety guidelines. Here we report several considerations.

Keywords: COVID-19; clinical trials; oncology.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity*
  • COVID-19
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology / trends*
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasms / virology
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Surveys and Questionnaires