Managing children with brain tumors during the COVID-19 era: Don’t stop the care!

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially stressed health care systems globally, subsequently reducing cancer care services and delaying treatments. Pediatric populations infected by COVID-19 have shown mild clinical symptoms compared to adults, perhaps due to decreased susceptibility. Several scienti...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Michele Antonio Capozza, Silvia Triarico, Giorgio Attinà, Alberto Romano, Stefano Mastrangelo, Palma Maurizi, Paolo Frassanito, Federico Bianchi, Tommaso Verdolotti, Marco Gessi, Mario Balducci, Luca Massimi, Gianpiero Tamburrini, Antonio Ruggiero
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2021-01-01
Series:Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S200103702100009X
Description
Summary:The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially stressed health care systems globally, subsequently reducing cancer care services and delaying treatments. Pediatric populations infected by COVID-19 have shown mild clinical symptoms compared to adults, perhaps due to decreased susceptibility. Several scientific societies and governments have released information on the management of patients with cancer, wherein they warn against exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest continuing treatment. To determine the best diagnostic and therapeutic approach, multidisciplinary tumor boards should convene regularly, including through conference calls and telematics platforms. A prompt diagnostic workup may reduce children's suffering and prevent loss of confidence in the health care system among parents. Moreover, ensuring adequate support and information regarding measures for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients and their families is essential for avoiding panic and excessive stress, allowing early reporting of any suspected symptoms of cancer and, in turn, facilitating early diagnosis and prompt modulation of treatment.
ISSN:2001-0370