Behind the numbers and the panic of a viral pandemic: fixed restrictive oncology guidance may jeopardize patients' survival

摘要: To protect cancer patients from COVID-19 exposure, prioritization strategies are being implemented at global level. Measures include use of tele-health services, deferring elective surgeries, delaying non life-saving therapies, interrupting maintenance and supportive care regimens suspending screening regular follow-up visits. Nonetheless, the risk infection may not always outweigh oncology treatment benefit. Lives most depend on their ability to receive medical, surgical radiotherapy care. Postponing screening, radical surgeries increase patients' developing metastatic disease. A viral pandemic lasts long time exhibits seasonal geographical variations. Though vaccines will be available only in 2021, a global, aggressive, all-embracing protracted slowdown oncologic activities severely jeopardize outcomes. present international oncologists' panel, ECPC FAVO, strongly suggest that Hospital measures specific area/Nation should line with local epidemic, restrictions adopted adapted stratified over time.