COVID-19's Impact on Urological Cancer Surgery Wait Times: Safety and Lessons Learned

What is it about?

This research discusses a review of studies assessing the impact of surgical delays in urological oncology due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The review analyzed 35 studies, with 14 including data collected after the pandemic's start. Findings suggest that while prostate cancer treatment can often be safely delayed up to 180 days, procedures for bladder tumors and advanced renal masses should occur within 30 days. Treatment for other urological cancers should commence within 90 days. The review highlights a lack of studies directly reporting on COVID-19-related delays, considering it a missed opportunity. It also notes varying definitions of "delay" across studies and emphasizes the need for more research on the actual impacts of pandemic-related treatment delays in different healthcare settings worldwide.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it reviews the impact of surgical delays in urological oncology due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the consequences of treatment delays is crucial for healthcare systems to make informed decisions about resource allocation and prioritization during crises. The study provides valuable insights into the safety of extending waiting times for various urological cancers, which can guide future policies and practices in cancer care management during pandemics or other healthcare emergencies. Additionally, this research highlights the need for more comprehensive studies on the effects of treatment delays, particularly those specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways: 1. Varied Impact: The study reveals that the impact of surgical delays varies across different urological cancers, with prostate cancer generally tolerating longer delays (3-12 months) without negative outcomes, while urothelial and kidney cancers showed negative clinical outcomes with delays as short as 2 weeks to 3 months. 2. Limited COVID-19 Specific Data: Despite the pandemic's global impact, few studies have reported on the specific effects of COVID-19-related delayed treatments in urological oncology, representing a missed opportunity for gathering crucial data. 3. Treatment Recommendations: Based on the available evidence, the study provides specific recommendations for treatment timelines, such as expediting diagnostic cystoscopy, transurethral resection of bladder tumors, and nephrectomy for cT2+ renal masses within 30 days, while allowing up to 180 days for most prostate cancer treatments.