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Innovations & Thérapeutiques en Oncologie

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The overlap between oncopaediatrics and Covid-19 Volume 6, issue 3-4, May-August 2020

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Authors
1 Institut Gustave-Roussy
Département des cancers de l’enfant et de l’adolescent
114, rue Edouard Vaillant
94800 Villejuif
France
2 Institut Gustave-Roussy
Département de radiothérapie
3 Institut Gustave-Roussy
Département d’anesthésie
4 Institut Gustave-Roussy
Département de radiologie
* Tirés à part

Children have a milder disease and a better prognosis than adults when infected by Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pediatric oncologists have recommended continuation of anti-cancer therapy with adjustments for some patients (allogeneic stem cell transplant, immunotherapy). In the Gustave Roussy Paediatric Department, specific measures to protect children and staff, and prevent the spread of the virus, involve limited visits, phone consultations when possible, and teleworking. PCR tests became routine on March 23rd for patients requiring hospitalization. A total of 269 tests were carried out over four months in 167 patients. Ten patients (6%), mostly with mild symptoms, were positive. The number of infections among medical and paramedical staff was also very low. Very few children had delayed treatment. Relative to the period of March to June, a 45% drop in new patients was reported. However, the consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic on the department were significant in terms of organization and daily adjustment of practices.