Impact of COVID-19 on Gynaecological oncology; a global perspective

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic caused global devastation with over 2 million deaths and put unprecedented pressure on health care facilities world-wide. The response to the pandemic differed globally as countries faced different challenges. Within Gynaecological oncology, a multitude of guidance was published by various countries and organisations which demonstrated major themes. These consisted of implementations aimed at reducing transmission, managing limited resources, treatment prioritisation whilst continuing urgent oncological surgery where possible and the use of alternative therapies in the management of oncology patients to reduce hospital admission. Due to the novelty of this virus and its global effects, published guidance is currently limited to best practice and small-scale trials. This review aims to summarise the global response to coronavirus with respect to Gynaecological oncology and suggests potential interventions to limit the spread of the virus during resurgence or in the event of a future global pandemic. It also discusses the current trials recruiting relevant to the field of Gynaecological oncology to better inform the specialty on the management of cancer patients during COVID-19.

Keywords

• Coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Gynaecological oncology
• Pandemic