Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer in the United Kingdom
BAUS ePoster online library. Desai C. 06/22/21; 319014; p10-6
Disclosure(s): Nil to disclose.
Dr. Chaitya Desai
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Abstract
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Introduction
The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) issued an interim strategy for the management of bladder cancer as a contingency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to assess the implementation of these recommendations and deviation from the standard of care in the West Midlands region.
Materials & Methods
A questionnaire was devised and sent to bladder cancer leads for each NHS Trust in the region in June 2020. Responses were analysed and compared with the BAUS COVID-19 strategy.
Results
11 out of 12 centres were aware of the BAUS COVID-19 strategy. 2 centres were offering tele-consultations only for 2-week-wait referrals and 6 centres had changed their practice for non-visible haematuria. All centres were offering transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBTs) for new and high-risk tumours. 10 centres were also documenting any changes in treatment in response to COVID-19. Only 7 centres continued to give intravesical BCG to newly diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. All centres continued with staging CT scans for newly diagnosed muscle invasive bladder cancer. Patients were still being referred for cystectomy, while radiation for curative and palliative intent continued. Of the 5 regional centres: only 1 continued with cystectomies as normal, whereas 2 performed the procedure on a case-by-case basis, and the procedure was delayed or deferred in the other 2 centres.
Conclusions
Diagnostics and definitive management of bladder cancer has been severely affected by COVID-19. Deferred intravesical BCG and delayed radical treatment may have a dire impact on the long-term outcomes of these patients.
The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) issued an interim strategy for the management of bladder cancer as a contingency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to assess the implementation of these recommendations and deviation from the standard of care in the West Midlands region.
Materials & Methods
A questionnaire was devised and sent to bladder cancer leads for each NHS Trust in the region in June 2020. Responses were analysed and compared with the BAUS COVID-19 strategy.
Results
11 out of 12 centres were aware of the BAUS COVID-19 strategy. 2 centres were offering tele-consultations only for 2-week-wait referrals and 6 centres had changed their practice for non-visible haematuria. All centres were offering transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBTs) for new and high-risk tumours. 10 centres were also documenting any changes in treatment in response to COVID-19. Only 7 centres continued to give intravesical BCG to newly diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. All centres continued with staging CT scans for newly diagnosed muscle invasive bladder cancer. Patients were still being referred for cystectomy, while radiation for curative and palliative intent continued. Of the 5 regional centres: only 1 continued with cystectomies as normal, whereas 2 performed the procedure on a case-by-case basis, and the procedure was delayed or deferred in the other 2 centres.
Conclusions
Diagnostics and definitive management of bladder cancer has been severely affected by COVID-19. Deferred intravesical BCG and delayed radical treatment may have a dire impact on the long-term outcomes of these patients.
Introduction
The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) issued an interim strategy for the management of bladder cancer as a contingency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to assess the implementation of these recommendations and deviation from the standard of care in the West Midlands region.
Materials & Methods
A questionnaire was devised and sent to bladder cancer leads for each NHS Trust in the region in June 2020. Responses were analysed and compared with the BAUS COVID-19 strategy.
Results
11 out of 12 centres were aware of the BAUS COVID-19 strategy. 2 centres were offering tele-consultations only for 2-week-wait referrals and 6 centres had changed their practice for non-visible haematuria. All centres were offering transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBTs) for new and high-risk tumours. 10 centres were also documenting any changes in treatment in response to COVID-19. Only 7 centres continued to give intravesical BCG to newly diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. All centres continued with staging CT scans for newly diagnosed muscle invasive bladder cancer. Patients were still being referred for cystectomy, while radiation for curative and palliative intent continued. Of the 5 regional centres: only 1 continued with cystectomies as normal, whereas 2 performed the procedure on a case-by-case basis, and the procedure was delayed or deferred in the other 2 centres.
Conclusions
Diagnostics and definitive management of bladder cancer has been severely affected by COVID-19. Deferred intravesical BCG and delayed radical treatment may have a dire impact on the long-term outcomes of these patients.
The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) issued an interim strategy for the management of bladder cancer as a contingency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to assess the implementation of these recommendations and deviation from the standard of care in the West Midlands region.
Materials & Methods
A questionnaire was devised and sent to bladder cancer leads for each NHS Trust in the region in June 2020. Responses were analysed and compared with the BAUS COVID-19 strategy.
Results
11 out of 12 centres were aware of the BAUS COVID-19 strategy. 2 centres were offering tele-consultations only for 2-week-wait referrals and 6 centres had changed their practice for non-visible haematuria. All centres were offering transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBTs) for new and high-risk tumours. 10 centres were also documenting any changes in treatment in response to COVID-19. Only 7 centres continued to give intravesical BCG to newly diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. All centres continued with staging CT scans for newly diagnosed muscle invasive bladder cancer. Patients were still being referred for cystectomy, while radiation for curative and palliative intent continued. Of the 5 regional centres: only 1 continued with cystectomies as normal, whereas 2 performed the procedure on a case-by-case basis, and the procedure was delayed or deferred in the other 2 centres.
Conclusions
Diagnostics and definitive management of bladder cancer has been severely affected by COVID-19. Deferred intravesical BCG and delayed radical treatment may have a dire impact on the long-term outcomes of these patients.
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