Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Gynecological Oncology

The current infection with the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is an exceptional health situation which requires an adaptation of our management practices in gynecological oncology. Data from the literature suggest that infection with Coronavirus is serious in subjects with cancer with a risk of severe form 5 times higher than that of the population without cancer and a risk of death multiplied by 8. In addition, the risk of infection would be 3 times greater in case of cancer. Faced with the COVID-19 epidemic, the investigator must organize themselves to ensure continuity in the treatment of patients with gynecological cancer but also adapt our practices in the management (CPR, teleconsultation, adaptation of treatment or even postponement of treatment). The objective of the High Council of Public Health is to be able to ensure adequate oncological care avoiding any potential loss of chance concerning the care of cancer: people affected must, despite the pandemic, have care allowing the same level of curability (localized cancers) or the same life expectancy (advanced cancers). This must be done by limiting as much as possible the impact on the organization of the service, the organization of patient follow-up and the psychological impact that these possible modifications could have. The hypotheses of our study are that the exceptional health situation linked to this pandemic leads to a change in the care of patients with gynecological cancer associated with a psychological impact and increased anxiety of patients during their care. Despite the extent of the pandemic, very little existing data makes it possible to define recommendations with a sufficient level of evidence.