The impact of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic on the quality of breast cancer care in EUSOMA-certified breast centres

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

van Dam, P (Author) Other; Tomatis, M (Author) Other; Ponti, A (Author) Other; Marotti, L (Author) Other; Aristei, C (Author) Other; Biganzoli, L (Author) Other; Cardoso, MJ (Author) Other; Cheung, KL (Author) Other; Curigliano, G (Author) Other; De Vries, J (Author) Other; Santini, D (Author) Other; Sardanelli, F (Author) Other; Rubio, IT (Author) Other; Baldini, V (Author) Other; Ballardini, B (Author) Other; Berger, J (Author) Other; Berlière, M (Author) Other; Bonetti, A (Author) Other; Bortul, M (Author) Other; Bussels, B (Author) Other; Cagossi, K (Author) Other; Epifanio Castiglione, GA (Author) Other; Cedolini, C (Author) Other; Esgueva Colmenarejo, AJ (Author) Other; Corsi, F (Author) Other; Cretella, E (Author) Other; Fogazzi, G (Author) Other; Fortunato, L (Author) Other; Fougo, JL (Author) FMUP; Generali, D (Author) Other; Gouveia, PF (Author) Other; Grossi, S (Author) Other; Huscher, A (Author) Other; Kaelides, M (Author) Other; Kuhn, E (Author) Other; Levy, C (Author) Other; Massarut, S (Author) Other; Meani, F (Author) Other; Montemezzi, S (Author) Other; Musolino, A (Author) Other; Negreiros, I (Author) Other; Bagge, RO (Author) Other; Pagani, G (Author) Other; Peterko, AC (Author) Other; Prové, A (Author) Other; Roelstraete, H (Author) Other; Roncella, M (Author) Other; Saguatti, G (Author) Other; Sarlos, D (Author) Other; Sgarella, A (Author) Other; Staelens, G (Author) Other; Taffurelli, M (Author) Other; Tazzioli, G (Author) Other; Tinterri, C (Author) Other; Vassilieff, M (Author) Other; Verhoeven, D (Author) Other; Eusoma, WG (Author) Other

Journal

Title: European Journal of Cancer

Vol. 177

Pages: 72-79

ISSN: 0959-8049

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-F0B

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.09.027

Abstract (EN): Aims: We analysed the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) on the quality of breast cancer care in certified EUSOMA (European Society of Breast Cancer Spe-cialists) breast centres.Materials and methods: The results of the EUSOMA quality indicators were compared, based on pseudonymised individual records, for the periods 1 March 2020 till 30 June 2020 (first COVID-19 peak in most countries in Europe) and 1 March 2019 till 30 June 2019. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to the participating Centres for investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the organisation and the quality of breast cancer care.Results: Forty-five centres provided data and 31 (67%) responded to the questionnaire. The total number of new cases dropped by 19% and there was a small significant higher tumour (p = 0.003) and lymph node (p = 0.011) stage at presentation. Comparing quality indicators (12,736 patients) by multivariable analysis showed mostly non-significant differences. Surgery could be performed in a COVID-free zone in 94% of the centres, COVID testing was per-formed before surgery in 96% of the centres, and surgical case load was reduced in 55% of the centres. Modifications of the indications for neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, chemo-therapy, and targeted therapy were necessary in 23%, 23%, and 10% of the centres; changes in indications for adjuvant endocrine, chemo-, targeted, immune, and radiotherapy in 3%, 19%, 3%, 6%, and 10%, respectively.Conclusion: Quality of breast cancer care was well maintained in EUSOMA breast centres during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A small but significantly higher tumour and lymph node stage at presentation was observed. 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8