Background: Management of head and neck cancers (HNC) in radiation oncology in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era is challenging. Aim of our work is to report organization strategies at a radiation therapy (RT) department in the first European area experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We focused on (a) dedicated procedures for HNC, (b) RT scheduling, and (c) health care professionals' protection applied during the COVID-19 breakdown (from March 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020). Results: Applied procedures are reported and discussed. Forty-three patients were treated. Image-guided, intensity modulated RT was performed in all cases. Median overall treatment time was 50 (interquartile range: 47-54.25) days. RT was interrupted/delayed in seven patients (16%) for suspected COVID-19 infection. Two health professionals managing HNC patients were proven as COVID-19 positive. Conclusion: Adequate and well-timed organization allowed for the optimization of HNC patients balancing at the best of our possibilities patients' care and personnel's safety.

Head and neck cancer radiotherapy amid COVID‐19 pandemic : Report from Milan, Italy / D. Alterio, S. Volpe, G. Marvaso, I. Turturici, A. Ferrari, M.C. Leonardi, R. Lazzari, M.S. Fiore, G. Bufi, F. Cattani, C. Arrobbio, F. Patti, A. Casbarra, I. Cavallo, F. Mastrilli, R. Orecchia, B.A. Jereczek‐Fossa. - In: HEAD & NECK. - ISSN 1043-3074. - (2020 Jun 18). [Epub ahead of print] [10.1002/hed.26319]

Head and neck cancer radiotherapy amid COVID‐19 pandemic : Report from Milan, Italy

S. Volpe
;
G. Marvaso;A. Ferrari;C. Arrobbio;F. Patti;A. Casbarra;I. Cavallo;R. Orecchia;B.A. Jereczek‐fossa
2020

Abstract

Background: Management of head and neck cancers (HNC) in radiation oncology in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era is challenging. Aim of our work is to report organization strategies at a radiation therapy (RT) department in the first European area experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We focused on (a) dedicated procedures for HNC, (b) RT scheduling, and (c) health care professionals' protection applied during the COVID-19 breakdown (from March 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020). Results: Applied procedures are reported and discussed. Forty-three patients were treated. Image-guided, intensity modulated RT was performed in all cases. Median overall treatment time was 50 (interquartile range: 47-54.25) days. RT was interrupted/delayed in seven patients (16%) for suspected COVID-19 infection. Two health professionals managing HNC patients were proven as COVID-19 positive. Conclusion: Adequate and well-timed organization allowed for the optimization of HNC patients balancing at the best of our possibilities patients' care and personnel's safety.
COVID-19; departmental procedures; head and neck cancer; health care protections; radiation oncology
Settore MED/36 - Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia
18-giu-2020
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/747847
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