COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations for management of gynecologic cancers

Aim. To present the European Society of Clinical Oncology current recommendations for the gynecological cancer treatment on the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A literature search was carried out for the most modern literary sources available, published in March and April 2020, based on the experience of several European communities of gynecological oncology. We have compiled guidelines from several international communities working with oncological patients for consideration and possible practical application during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Results. Recommendations for sanitary - epidemiological activities aimed at reducing the risk of infection, as well as the sequence of therapeutic and diagnostic actions in oncogynecological patients, depending on the disease and stage of the tumor process, were presented. Factors influencing treatment planning were indicated; a system of measures to provide palliative care for this category of patients was developed. Conclusion. In the face of the ongoing pandemic, these recommendations can help to choose the optimal tactics for gynecological cancer patients management, and also to ensure the safety of both patients and the medical staff involved in treatment process. It is necessary to adhere to preventive and protective measures in conditions of a high infection risk for medical personnel and patients at the stage of outpatient and inpatient care. It is necessary to reduce or postpone extended, combined or simultaneous surgical interventions that involve a long stay on the ventilator in the intensive care unit. Consideration of alternative methods of conservative therapy is possible. In addition, the use of remote consultations helps to resolve tactical issues, avoiding additional infection risks.