TY  - JOUR
AU  - Weinkove, R
AU  - McQuilten, ZK
AU  - Adler, J
AU  - Agar, MR
AU  - Blyth, E
AU  - Cheng, AC
AU  - Conyers, R
AU  - Haeusler, GM
AU  - Hardie, C
AU  - Jackson, C
AU  - Lane, SW
AU  - Middlemiss, T
AU  - Mollee, P
AU  - Mulligan, SP
AU  - Ritchie, D
AU  - Ruka, M
AU  - Solomon, B
AU  - Szer, J
AU  - Thursky, KA
AU  - Wood, EM
AU  - Worth, LJ
AU  - Yong, MK
AU  - Slavin, MA
AU  - Teh, BW
Y2  - 2020/12/16
Y1  - 2020/05/13
SN  - 0025-729X
UR  - http://hdl.handle.net/11343/254434
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A pandemic coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causes COVID-19, a potentially life-threatening respiratory disease. Patients with cancer may have compromised immunity due to their malignancy and/or treatment, and may be at elevated risk of severe COVID-19. Community transmission of COVID-19 could overwhelm health care services, compromising delivery of cancer care. This interim consensus guidance provides advice for clinicians managing patients with cancer during the pandemic. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic: In patients with cancer with fever and/or respiratory symptoms, consider causes in addition to COVID-19, including other infections and therapy-related pneumonitis. For suspected or confirmed COVID-19, discuss temporary cessation of cancer therapy with a relevant specialist. Provide information on COVID-19 for patients and carers. Adopt measures within cancer centres to reduce risk of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 acquisition; support population-wide social distancing; reduce demand on acute services; ensure adequate staffing; and provide culturally safe care. Measures should be equitable, transparent and proportionate to the COVID-19 threat. Consider the risks and benefits of modifying cancer therapies due to COVID-19. Communicate treatment modifications, and review once health service capacity allows. Consider potential impacts of COVID-19 on the blood supply and availability of stem cell donors. Discuss and document goals of care, and involve palliative care services in contingency planning. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THIS STATEMENT: This interim consensus guidance provides a framework for clinicians managing patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the rapidly changing situation, clinicians must also monitor national, state, local and institutional policies, which will take precedence. ENDORSED BY: Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group; Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group; Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group; Australia and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine; Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases; Bone Marrow Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand; Cancer Council Australia; Cancer Nurses Society of Australia; Cancer Society of New Zealand; Clinical Oncology Society of Australia; Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand; National Centre for Infections in Cancer; New Zealand Cancer Control Agency; New Zealand Society for Oncology; and Palliative Care Australia.
LA  - English
PB  - WILEY
T1  - Managing haematology and oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: interim consensus guidance
DO  - 10.5694/mja2.50607
IS  - Medical Journal of Australia
VL  - 212
IS  - 10
SP  - 481-489
ER  -