Clinical Trials Resuming
- Nearly 40% of cancer clinical trials disrupted by COVID-19 have started again.
- A leading expert tells SurvivorNet that centers are safe and following strict guidelines in order to keep staff and participants safe from the coronavirus.
- Clinical trials can be life-saving resources for cancer patients seeking new treatment options.
According to GlobalData, nearly 40% of cancer clinical trials which were forced to stop during the height of coronavirus pandemic have resumed. This is promising for many people looking for new treatment options; still, fear and anxiety surrounding the virus has led to missed routine screenings, medical checkups, and people avoiding the hospital, all together, to avoid being exposed. However, putting off appointments can have dangerous consequences, and oncologists have worked tirelessly to make sure facilities are safe for patients while visiting.
Read MoreClinical Trials Incorporating Telehealth
Due to the outbreak, telemedicine has become one of the ways doctors and oncologists have connected with patients in order to minimize hospital visits. Of course, virtual appointments have their drawbacks, especially since cancer screenings, such as mammograms and lung cancer checks, often need the physical touch.
Similar to regular appointments, Dr. Herbst says he’s witnessed clinical trials incorporate telehealth such as video conferences and check-ins, when possible, more in order to minimize the amount of time participants will spend in the hospital. This step is to ensure both patients’ and staff’s safety and ease their mind if they’re scared to leave the home.
“A lot of things can be done at home,” Dr. Herbst says. “That’s very important to minimize patient exposure. People are timid to come in, but they shouldn’t be. Our centers are being kept very safe and a lot of precautions are in place, staff are all wearing masks, [and] we have PPE.”
Dr. Scott Strome breaks down clinical trials and what the statistics really mean
Cancer Treatment Cannot Be Delayed
In conversations with SurvivorNet, numerous experts have stressed how critical it is for cancer patients to seek treatment even during COVID-19. In some cases, oncologists may encourage your treatment to be slightly adjusted by delaying surgery and undergoing chemotherapy first, but in any case symptoms should not be ignored and treatment cannot be paused.
Similar to other experts, Dr. Herbst assures us that centers are taking every precaution to make sure facilities are as safe as possible, which includes regular hand-washing, equipment sanitation, mandatory masks, and regulated social distancing.
“In cancer, the enemy just gets stronger,” Dr. Herbst says. “We’re dealing with delayed diagnoses; we’re behind on the eight ball. That’s going to allow the cancer to get ahead, so it’s very important to move forward. Centers are probably safer than any other place in the community. It’s a risk benefit, [but] you’ll do better potentially with a clinical trial. You’re planning a war against the cancer.”
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