Background/aim: Since January 2020, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed in Japan, and the number of patients with COVID-19 has been increasing. Two emergency declarations have been made previously and one is currently in effect. Based on our experience of a situation that could affect cancer treatment, this study retrospectively examined the correlation between perioperative anticancer therapy and COVID-19 incidence in patients with breast cancer.
Patients and methods: Patients who underwent perioperative anticancer therapy for breast cancer at our hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were included in this study. The presence or absence of COVID-19, timing of anticancer drug initiation, and clinical data were collected.
Results: No cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in patients receiving perioperative anticancer therapy at our hospital.
Conclusion: Regimen modification, active use of supportive care, and patient lifestyle were factors reducing the incidence of COVID-19.
Keywords: Covid-19; breast cancer; chemotherapy.
Copyright © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.