A group of thoracic oncology experts has written an editorial offering guidance on adapting current cancer practice in relation to COVID-19.
The editorial, published in the European Respiratory Journal, was prepared in recognition of the susceptibility of cancer patients to adverse outcome of viral infections, including the elevated risk of hospital admission and need for intensive care treatment.
Based upon recent recommendations published by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique (HCSP), the editorial offers practical advice to clinicians and includes recommendations for the treatment of:
- Small-cell lung cancer
- Non-small-cell lung cancer
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Thymic epithelial tumours
The authors have offered further support on the subject as chair and panellists of a webinar for the European Respiratory Society (ERS) focusing on the management of thoracic cancer patients in relation to COVID-19. The webinar includes a 45-minute presentation with expert discussion followed by a question and answer session centred on questions from the webinar viewers.