1. Population-based impact of COVID-19 on incidence, treatment, and survival of patients with pancreatic cancer
- Author
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Merlijn U.J.E. Graus, Ignace H.J.T. de Hingh, Marc G. Besselink, Marco J. Bruno, Johanna W. Wilmink, Vincent E. de Meijer, Marie-Louise F. van Velthuysen, Liselot B.J. Valkenburg-van Iersel, Lydia G.M. van der Geest, Judith de Vos-Geelen, S. Siesling, J.C. van Hoeve, M.A.W. Merkx, N.J. de Wit, C.W. Helsper, I. Dingemans, I.D. Nagtegaal, M. van der Schaaf, C.H. van Gils, H.C.P.M. van Weert, M. Verheij, AII - Cancer immunology, CCA - Cancer biology and immunology, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Pathology, Public Health, Surgery, CCA - Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, CCA - Imaging and biomarkers, AGEM - Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Oncology, Rehabilitation medicine, AMS - Ageing & Vitality, AMS - Rehabilitation & Development, APH - Digital Health, General practice, ACS - Heart failure & arrhythmias, APH - Personalized Medicine, and APH - Quality of Care
- Subjects
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being ,Hepatology ,Gastroenterology - Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has put substantial strain on the healthcare system of which the effects are only partly elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the impact on pancreatic cancer care. Methods: All patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between 2017 and 2020 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients diagnosed and/or treated in 2020 were compared to 2017–2019. Monthly incidence was calculated. Patient, tumor and treatment characteristics were analyzed and compared using Chi-squared tests. Survival data was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Log-rank tests. Results: In total, 11019 patients were assessed. The incidence in quarter (Q)2 of 2020 was comparable with that in Q2 of 2017–2019 (p = 0.804). However, the incidence increased in Q4 of 2020 (p = 0.031), mainly due to a higher incidence of metastatic disease (p = 0.010). Baseline characteristics, surgical resection (15% vs 16%; p = 0.466) and palliative systemic therapy rates (23% vs 24%; p = 0.183) were comparable. In 2020, more surgically treated patients received (neo)adjuvant treatment compared to 2017–2019 (73% vs 67%; p = 0.041). Median overall survival was comparable (3.8 vs 3.8 months; p = 0.065). Conclusion: This nationwide study found a minor impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pancreatic cancer care and outcome. The Dutch health care system was apparently able to maintain essential care for patients with pancreatic cancer.
- Published
- 2023
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