Population-based impact of COVID-19 on incidence, treatment, and survival of patients with pancreatic cancer

• DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2023.04.017
• Publication Date: 2023-05-06T01:45:53Z
• Authors: Merlijn U.J.E. Graus; Ignace H.J.T. de ...; Marc G. Besselink; Marco J. Bruno; Johanna W. Wilmink; Vincent E. de Meijer; Marie-Louise F. v...; Liselot B.J. Valk...; Lydia G.M. van de...; 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
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has put substantial strain on the healthcare system of which effects are only partly elucidated. This study aimed to investigate impact pancreatic cancer care.MethodsAll patients diagnosed with between 2017 and 2020 were selected from Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients and/or treated in compared 2017–2019. Monthly incidence was calculated. Patient, tumor treatment characteristics analyzed using Chi-squared tests. Survival data Kaplan–Meier Log-rank tests.ResultsIn total, 11019 assessed. The quarter (Q)2 comparable that Q2 2017–2019 (p = 0.804). However, increased Q4 0.031), mainly due a higher metastatic disease 0.010). Baseline characteristics, surgical resection (15% vs 16%; p 0.466) palliative systemic therapy rates (23% 24%; 0.183) comparable. In 2020, more surgically received (neo)adjuvant (73% 67%; 0.041). Median overall survival (3.8 3.8 months; 0.065).ConclusionThis nationwide found minor care outcome. Dutch health apparently able maintain essential for cancer.