Page 28 - Read Online

Page 10 of 11 Vong et al. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2020;6:54 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2020.116

CONCLUSION
Compared to prior pandemics, we now have far greater scientific, medical and technological capabilities
to manage COVID-19, but also increased vulnerabilities and transmission risks in a globalised world and
economy. COVID-19 has had wide-ranging implications globally, ranging from its impact on healthcare
systems to economic and long-term psychological impact. Infection control and outbreak mitigation
measures, and the availability of effective therapeutics and vaccines will shape the eventual outcome of the
pandemic.

Oncologists have a special duty to our patients to ensure patient safety and provide optimum care without
undue disruption which may compromise long-term cancer-specific outcomes. We must carefully weigh
the management of an established threat (lung cancer) where treatment delays can lead to worse outcomes,
versus the uncertain additional risk of COVID-19 infection. Treatment decisions should be individualised
based on best available evidence, along with multidisciplinary input and shared decision-making with
patients. Important areas for future research include long term COVID-19 and cancer-specific outcomes,
late complications and survivorship issues, and psychological impact on patients and healthcare providers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed day-to-day practices within our institution. Singapore
has been relatively fortunate in having a structured and well-prepared healthcare system to cope with
the COVID-19 pandemic, with ready accessibility to SARS-CoV-2 testing, good population compliance
to public health measures and appropriate reallocation of healthcare resources without excessive
disruption to the care of oncology patients. With better control of the outbreak locally, there has also
been a corresponding gradual increase in the provision of routine oncology services back to pre-COVID
levels. We must continue to adapt to the evolving situation to ensure preservation of healthcare capacity,
protection of vulnerable populations and care of oncology patients in the form of a sustainable new normal
for the future.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Conception, manuscript writing, final approval of manuscript: Vong EKY, Chia PL, Chang AY

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present that is related to this paper.

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020.

REFERENCES
1. Johns HOpkins UNiversity and Medicine coronavirus resource centre mortality analyses 2020. Available from: https://coronavirus.jhu.
edu/data/mortality. [Last accessed on 8 Dec 2020]