Risks from Deferring Treatment for Genitourinary Cancers: A Collaborative Review to Aid Triage and Management During...

Area of Science:

• Urologic Oncology
• Cancer Treatment Delays
• COVID-19 Impact

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare, leading to treatment delays for various urologic cancers.
• These delays pose risks to patient outcomes and necessitate careful triage strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the contemporary risks associated with delayed treatment for urologic malignancies.
• To provide guidance for prioritizing cancer care during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative literature review was conducted, analyzing studies published up to April 2, 2020.
• The review focused on evaluating the impact of treatment delays on different types of urologic cancers.

Main Results:

• Low-grade bladder cancer and low-risk prostate cancer can tolerate 3-6 month delays.
• Muscle-invasive bladder cancer, advanced kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and penile cancer require expedited treatment.
• Active surveillance is recommended for low-risk prostate cancer; intermediate/high-risk may be deferred 3-6 months.

Conclusions:

• Balancing oncologic risks against COVID-19 risks is crucial for patient and healthcare system well-being.
• Prioritization of high-risk urologic cancers is essential during pandemic-related treatment disruptions.