Clinical Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexican Patients with Thoracic Malignancies.
Arrieta OscarLuis Lara-MejiaElysse Bautista-GonzÁlezDavid HerediaJenny G TurcottFeliciano BarrónMaritza Ramos-RamírezLuis Cabrera-MirandaMiguel Ángel Salinas PadillaMercedes AguerreberreAndrés Felipe CardonaChristian D RolfoMarisol Arroyo-HernÁndezEnrique Soto Pérez de CelisRenata Baéz-SaldañaPublished in: The oncologist (2021)
The pandemic has placed an enormous strain on health care systems globally. Patients with thoracic cancers represent a vulnerable population, with increased morbidity and mortality rates. In Mexico, treatment modifications were common during the pandemic, and those who experienced delays had worse survival outcomes. Most treatment modifications were related to a patient decision rather than a lockdown of health care facilities in which mental health impairment plays an essential role. Moreover, the high case fatality rate highlights the importance of improving medical care access. Likewise, to develop strategies facing future threats that may compromise health care systems in non-developed countries.