CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF LUNG CANCER PATIENTS WITH RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS
DURING EPIDEMIC OF COVID-19
Abstract
Objective: There are many clinical conditions that need to be followed
and treated during pandemic like lung cancer. Carrying out health care
for these patients who are immune-suppresive require extra care. Method:
Among 108 lung cancer patients who has been hospitalized during
pandemic, 18 of them with respiratory symptoms were evaluated. Results:
Median age was 64±9.4 with male predominance (male n=16, female n=2).
Thirteen of them was non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 5 of them
was small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Nine (50%) patients were receiving
chemotherapy. The most common symptom was shortness of breath (n=14,
77.8%), followed by fever (n=10, 55.6%). Findings confirmed on
computed thorax tomography (CTT) were as follows: Consolidation (n=8,
44.4%), ground glass opacities (n=8, 44.4%) and thoracic
tumour/mediastinal-hilar lymphadenopathy (n=3, 16.7%). Hypoxia was seen
in 11 patients (61.1.%). Twelve patients had elevation of LDH
(median=302±197) and lymphopenia (median=1055±648). There were 5
(27.7%) highly suspected cases for COVID-19. Any of their
nasopharyngeal swap was positive. Two of these 5 patients received
COVID-19 specific treatment even they have negative PCR results for 3
times. They responded well both clinical and radiological. For one case
with SCLC receiving immunotherapy metil-prednisolone was initiated for
radiation pneumonitis after excluding COVID-19. Conclusion: In line with
the health policies of the countries and the adequacy of the health
system, the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in the management
and treatment of complications in patients with lung cancer becomes even
more important in this pandemic.