The Effect of COVID-19 on the Management of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract, and as it is a widespread condition, it demands comprehensive research. At the time of writing this study, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affliction rates are rising rapidly in Iran. Hence, this study attempts to evaluate the country’s rectal cancer management during the pandemic. Methods: A total of 83 patients were divided into two groups and were closely studied. The first group underwent rectal cancer surgery during a nine-month period in 2019, while the second group underwent the same process during the same amount of time in 2020. Demographic data, surgery, and outcomes after surgery were assessed and compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS (statistical analyzer software, ver. 22). Results: The age, weight, height, BMI, tumor size, and numbers of involved lymph nodes were not different between the two groups. The radiotherapy techniques were significantly different between the two groups (P=0.012). Neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiation therapy was changed to short-course radiation therapy during the pandemic, and hospital stay was significantly longer during the pandemic (P=0.010). There was no difference in the recurrence or overall survival between the two groups. Metastasis was seen in six patients in the 2019 group but was not observed in the 2020 group. The size of tumors was larger in the 2020 group, but this was statistically insignificant (P=0.064). Conclusion: Cancer is a highly complicated and problematic disease, highlighting the importance of immediate diagnosis and treatment. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical centers may need to take additional measures to protect their cancer patients.