Impact of COVID-19 on the curative treatment of prostate cancer: a national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic affected access to cancer treatment worldwide. However, there is a lack of data about the impact in developing countries. The objective was to evaluate COVID-19 impact on curative prostate cancer (Pca) treatment in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With data extracted from the Brazilian Ministry of Health database, the Non-COVID and COVID periods were analyzed to compare the absolute number of radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiotherapy (RT) executed in the country and regions. RESULTS: With data from 50,169 Pca patients (Non-COVID = 28,106 cases and COVID = 22,063) treated with RP or RT in Brazil, a significant decline in patients receiving RT or RP (−6.043 cases; p = 0.0001) was detected. Both treatment procedures (RT or PR) were reduced in all five Brazilian regions comparing the Non-COVID and COVID periods. Overall, there was a reduction on RP and RT procedures in 92% (24/25) and 76% (19/25) of the evaluated states, respectively. Comparing the variation of RT and RP per state between COVID and Non-COVID period, there is a significant difference (−18.6% vs. −29%, p = 0.03) with a higher negative impact on the RP group. The RT and RP variation had no significant relationship with the incidence of COVID cases in the states. Limitations include the non-evaluation of treatment combinations, the impact of hypofractionated radiotherapy, and other factors influencing the treatment choice. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the curative treatment with RP and RT of Pca was abruptly limited and affected. However, the number of RP was more impacted than RT during the COVID period.