| Contributors: |
van Dam, P.; Tomatis, M.; Ponti, A.; Marotti, L.; Aristei, C.; Biganzoli, L.; Cardoso, M. J.; Cheung, K. L.; Curigliano, G.; De Vries, J.; Santini, D.; Sardanelli, F.; Rubio, I. T.; Baldini, V.; Ballardini, B.; Berger, J.; Berliere, M.; Bonetti, A.; Bortul, M.; Bussels, B.; Cagossi, K.; Epifanio Castiglione, G. A.; Cedolini, C.; Esgueva Colmenarejo, A. J.; Corsi, F.; Cretella, E.; Fogazzi, G.; Fortunato, L.; Fougo, J. L.; Generali, D.; Gouveia, P. F.; Grossi, S.; Huscher, A.; Kaelides, M.; Kuhn, E.; Levy, C.; Massarut, S.; Meani, F.; Montemezzi, S.; Musolino, A.; Negreiros, I.; Bagge, R. O.; Pagani, G.; Peterko, A. C.; Prove, A.; Roelstraete, H.; Roncella, M.; Saguatti, G.; Sarlos, D.; Sgarella, A.; Staelens, G.; Taffurelli, M.; Tazzioli, G.; Tinterri, C.; Vassilieff, M.; Verhoeven, D. |
| Description: |
Aims: We analysed the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) on the quality of breast cancer care in certified EUSOMA (European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists) breast centres. Materials and methods: The results of the EUSOMA quality indicators were compared, based on pseudonymised individual records, for the periods 1 March 2020 till 30 June 2020 (first COVID-19 peak in most countries in Europe) and 1 March 2019 till 30 June 2019. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to the participating Centres for investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the organisation and the quality of breast cancer care. Results: Forty-five centres provided data and 31 (67%) responded to the questionnaire. The total number of new cases dropped by 19% and there was a small significant higher tumour (p = 0.003) and lymph node (p = 0.011) stage at presentation. Comparing quality indicators (12,736 patients) by multivariable analysis showed mostly non-significant differences. Surgery could be performed in a COVID-free zone in 94% of the centres, COVID testing was performed before surgery in 96% of the centres, and surgical case load was reduced in 55% of the centres. Modifications of the indications for neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy were necessary in 23%, 23%, and 10% of the centres; changes in indications for adjuvant endocrine, chemo-, targeted, immune, and radiotherapy in 3%, 19%, 3%, 6%, and 10%, respectively. Conclusion: Quality of breast cancer care was well maintained in EUSOMA breast centres during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A small but significantly higher tumour and lymph node stage at presentation was observed. |