COVID-19 and the impact on gynecologic cancer care

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant reconfiguration of gynecologic cancer services and care pathways across the globe, with a transformation of working practices. Services had to adapt to protect their vulnerable patients from infection, whilst providing care despite reduced resources/capacity and staffing. The international gynecologic cancer community introduced modified clinical care guidelines. Remote working, reduced hospital visiting, routine COVID-testing, and use of COVID-free surgical areas/hubs enabled the ongoing and safe delivery of complex cancer care, with priority levels for cancer treatments established to guide decision-making by multidisciplinary tumor boards. Some 2.3 million cancer surgeries were delayed or cancelled during the first peak, with many patients reporting significant anxiety/concern for cancer progression and COVID infection. Although COVID trials were prioritized, recruitment to other cancer trials/research activity was significantly reduced. The impact of resultant protocol deviations on outcomes remains to be established. During the recovery healthcare services must maintain capacity and flexibility to manage future surges of infection, address the large backlog of patients with altered or delayed treatments, along with salvaging screening and prevention services. Training needs/mental well-being of trainees need addressing and staff burnout prevented. Future research needs to fully evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on long-term patient outcomes.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reconfiguration of gynecologic cancer services and care pathways globally, with adaptations to protect vulnerable patients, despite reduced resources and staffing. Remote working, routine COVID-testing, and priority levels for cancer treatments have enabled the safe delivery of care, although delays in surgeries and recruitment to cancer trials have been reported. Healthcare services must maintain capacity and flexibility during recovery to address the backlog of patients with altered treatments and evaluate long-term patient outcomes impacted by COVID-19.