CN45 - Effect of SARS-CoV-2 on management of paediatric blood malignancy: A regional cancer centre study

Background

COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic. The purpose of this study to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on management of Paediatric blood malignancies.

Methods

Patients (Age <14years) of blood malignancies during the period of 3 months (March, April and May) of year 2019 and 2020 was compared for remissions rates and regular follow up.

Results

Remission rates in 2020 were 56% (14 out of 25) showed remission whereas in 2019 it was 83% (24 out of 29). A striking decrease in remission rate by 26 % in 2020. The number of patients of Rajasthan (study state) also increased to 7%. Loss of follow up cases in 2019 was 4% (1in 25) in comparison to 24% (6 in 29) in 2020(a rise by 20 %).

Conclusions

There has been a negative impact in remission rate of blood malignancies admist the pandemic of COVID-19.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

The author would like to thank the doctors and support staff of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Institute, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.

Legal entity responsible for the study

Medical Oncology Department, ATRCTRI, S.P. Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.