COVID-19 pandemic and patients with cancer: The protocol of a Clinical Oncology center in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aim

To provide recommendations for the management of patients with cancer in the COVID-19 era.

Background

The current global pandemic of COVID-19 has severely impacted global healthcare systems. Several groups of people are considered high-risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, including patients with cancer. Therefore, protocols for the better management of these patients during this viral pandemic are necessary. So far, several protocols have been presented regarding the management of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, none of them points to a developing country with limited logistics and facilities.

Methods

In this review, we have provided a summary of recommendations on the management of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic based on our experience in Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Iran.

Results

We recommend that patients with cancer should be managed in an individualized manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Our recommendation provides a guide for oncology centers of developing countries for better management of cancer.