BREAST CANCER MANAGEMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN MADRID: SURGICAL STRATEGY

Brenes Sánchez, J.M.; López Picado, A.; Olivares Crespo, M.E.; García Sáenz, J.A.; De La Plata Merlo, R.M.; Herrera De La Muela, María

PURPOSE: From the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Wuhan (China), the infection spread all around the world causing a pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Spain has been one of the most severely affected countries, and Madrid has reported a high number of cases and deaths. We discuss our strategies for optimal breast cancer management during COVID-19 pandemic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study at Clínico San Carlos Hospital to analyze breast cancer patient management during the pandemic outbreak and surgical strategy after the pandemic outbreak. We created a practical and dynamic tool based on a "traffic light" system for prioritizing surgical time. Every patient was contacted by telephone with a preoperative COVID-19 protocol. After surgical procedures, patient satisfaction was assessed using EORTC IN-PATSAT32. RESULTS: Breast cancer patients actively treated with surgical procedures were put on a waiting list and received systemic therapy. Telemedicine was used to evaluate any side effects and to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Surgery was only considered after the pandemic outbreak and then only those procedures designed to minimize surgical complications and therefore reduce hospital stay. We also measured patients´ satisfaction with medical and nursing scales that resulted “very good” evaluation tending to “excellent”. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to adapt the management of oncology treatment and the surgical strategy to optimize resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients´ perception of care quality and the degree of patient’s satisfaction with health services has potential relevance in the absence of outcome data.