The Radiotherapy Adherence of Patients in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

as space, equipment, and personnel. The present study tried to assess how the fear of hospitals and the pandemic measures affected the radiotherapy course of patients. Methods: The records of patients receiving active cancer therapy in the department of radiation oncology were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment delays before and after March 11, 2020, were recorded. Results: None of the 80 patients (0%) failed to complete radiotherapy before March 11, 2020, while 5 of 55 patients (9.1%) had radiotherapy cessation after the first COVID-19 case and the following restrictions in Turkey (p<0.01). There was no difference in treatment type between the groups; no difference between palliative and curative subgroups before and after the pandemic (p=0.22). There was no difference in overall survival between pre- and post-COVID-19 periods (p=0.35). Conclusion: However, some patients may not receive adequate diagnostic procedures during this period. The regulations to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 may harm specific patient populations such as radiotherapy patients. The non-specific rules and declarations confuse the patients and prevent them from accessing the treatment needed. In the case of pandemic regulations, government decisions may include special considerations for oncological patients. Abstract Cite This Article: Tugrul F, Beypinar I. The Radiotherapy Adherence of Patients in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic. EJMI 2022;6(4):512–516.