key: cord-0897468-xr3lp340
authors: Montagna, E.; Bellerba, F.; Sangalli, C.; Gandini, S.; Cancello, G.; Aliaga, P. Trillo; Galimberti, V.; Leonardi, M.C.; Iorfida, M.; Munzone, E.; Mazza, M.; Dellapasqua, S.; Mastrilli, F.; Orecchia, R.; Malengo, D.; Omodeo Salè, E.; Viale, G.; Rietjens, M.; Colleoni, M.; Veronesi, P.
title: Management of breast cancer patients during the peak of the COVID 19 pandemic
date: 2021-05-25
journal: Eur J Surg Oncol
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.05.037
sha: da11cec50b8f7d733ed530bf0c054286ff7cd720
doc_id: 897468
cord_uid: xr3lp340

nan

During COVID 19 pandemic several recommendations were published which modified the standard guidelines advising a reduction in the use of chemotherapy, biological agents, and surgery in the treatment of breast cancer patients. [1] [2] [3] [4] . We analyzed how the senology program of the European Institute of Oncology, (IEO) in Milan, organized its activities during the peak of the pandemic The activities of the senology program of IEO during the peak of the pandemic continued without any substantial change in the management of breast cancer patients candidates to active therapies or surgery; the breast reconstruction was not delayed and, compared to previous year, more patients underwent to nipple-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction with implant or tissue expander. Moreover, no breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or biological therapies died because of the COVID disease. These retrospective data show that it has been safe to continue active treatment for breast cancer patients even during the peak of the pandemic. In our experience, however, the pandemic significantly modified the management of patients receiving outpatient care. The use of telemedicine increased, allowing a continuation in the follow up of patients. Moreover, we were able to monitor the side effects of hormonal therapy or orally administered therapy. During the pandemic, telemedicine has improved access to care, thus decreasing health care costs. We are now involve in the vaccination program and all strategies that were successfully adopted during the COVID-19 infection have been maintained. It is likely that at least some of them will impact the way care is administered for years after the pandemic is over.

J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f

Recommendations for triage, prioritization and treatment of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Risk of COVID-19 for patients with cancer

We would like to thank Seyedh Paniz Hashemi Tari for help with the manuscript.J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f