1. Increased Number of Colorectal Interval Cancers in Lynch Syndrome after the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Survey-Based Study.
- Author
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Russo, Michele, Barchi, Alberto, Mannucci, Alessandro, Puzzono, Marta, Zuppardo, Raffaella Alessia, Biamonte, Paolo, Bencardino, Sarah, Leandro, Gioacchino, Cannizzaro, Renato, Monica, Fabio, Zagari, Rocco Maurizio, Pasquale, Luigi, Goni, Elisabetta, Di Leo, Milena, Ricciardiello, Luigi, and Cavestro, Giulia Martina
- Subjects
COVID-19 pandemic ,HEREDITARY nonpolyposis colorectal cancer ,COLORECTAL cancer ,HEREDITARY cancer syndromes ,MEDICAL personnel - Abstract
Background: Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes require timely endoscopic surveillance. Methods: This study evaluated the approach of Italian gastroenterologists to the management of such patients. It then assessed the impact of SARS-CoV-2. All members affiliated with the leading Italian gastroenterology societies (AIGO, SIED, and SIGE) received an online questionnaire. Results: One hundred and twenty-one clinicians from 96 centers answered, not necessarily experts in the field (mean age 50.26 ± 11.22 years). Many collected family history for genetic risk assessment (74.4%), but only 14.0% used an online predictive software. 65.6% discussed cases in multidisciplinary units. Genetic analysis was available to most centers, but only a few hospitals offered dedicated endoscopy (19.0%), outpatient clinics (33.9%), or surgeries (23.1%). Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the number of clinicians with a high volume of patients decreased (from 38.8% to 28.1%). Almost half of the responders (45.5%) reported a delay in the surveillance (median: 4–12 months). Ultimately, 30.6% detected one interval colorectal cancer in at least one of their patients. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic directly affected the surveillance of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes in Italy. Endoscopic surveillance should resume in all centers to avoid the possible long-term consequences of its interruption, especially for inherited colorectal cancer syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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