The prevalence of COVID-19 infection among gynecologic oncology patients receiving cancer treatment in a COVID-19 referral hospital
- Author:
Renee Riza Cartago Medalla
1
;
Jericho Thaddeus P. Luna
2
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Cancer treatment; Gynecologic cancer
- MeSH: COVID-19
- From: Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;47(4):199-205
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Cancer patients are more susceptible to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection because they are immunosuppressed by their disease or therapy, most of them have coexisting medical conditions, and they frequently visit hospitals for treatment and surveillance.
Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among gynecologic oncology patients receiving treatment in a COVID-19 referral hospital.
Materials and Methods:A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 47 gynecologic cancer patients receiving treatment from June 2020 to December 2020 was performed. All patients underwent SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab test and symptom and exposure assessment before the start of cancer treatment. Patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab test results received their planned treatment, and a repeat swab test and triage assessment were done midtreatment and after treatment.
Results:Five (10.6%) patients had positive baseline SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab results, but all proceeded with treatment after negative results were obtained. Only 1 (2.13%) patient had a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab test result at midtreatment. All patients had no COVID-19-associated symptoms and none of them tested positive for COVID-19 infection posttreatment.
Conclusion:The prevalence of COVID-19 infection among gynecologic cancer patients receiving cancer treatment is 2.13%. All patients who had positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab test results at baseline or midtreatment were able to continue and complete treatment. There were no severe clinical events or mortalities among those affected with COVID-19 infection. - Full text:pjog 5.pdf
