Cancer patient care in times of COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: with the emergence of the new coronavirus and the wide worldwide distribution, its effects in people with some comorbidities are a global concern. Cancer is a disease with a high incidence and prevalence in society, included among the main causes of mortality. Objective: to describe the management of cancer patients during COVID-19 Method: a literature review of articles published up to June 2020 was carried out, using the Pubmed / Medline, SCOPUS and SciELO databases. 28 references were selected for the preparation of the present. Development: cancer has variable clinical and prognostic behaviors that generally lead to states of immunosuppression caused by the therapeutics used for its treatment; Therefore, they are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. The proper care of this group of people is the responsibility of the health systems. Some measures are based on social distancing, either in reducing the number of companions of the patient in the consultation or chemotherapy sessions, the prohibition of visits to hospitalized patients and the use of technologies with the use of teleconsultations for routine follow-up, as well as the change from intravenous to oral treatments Conclusions: the study of the behavior of COVID-19 in cancer patients is under development. The measures that the institutions take to achieve quality care for people with cancer are varied and are based mainly on social distancing.

Keywords

• infecciones por coronavirus
• instituciones oncológicas
• servicio de oncología en hospital