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Cancer research

COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survival in Belgium

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study from the Belgian Cancer Registry evaluated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, mortality, and survival in Belgium. The research analyzed 29,721 lung cancer patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2020, with a focus on those diagnosed in 2020 during the pandemic. The study found that patients diagnosed in 2020 had a poorer performance status and more distant metastases compared to the previous years. Despite this, there was no significant change in relative survival rates at 1 and 3 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 29,721 patients diagnosed with lung cancer between 2017 and 2020, with a focus on those diagnosed in 2020 during the pandemic.
  • Patients diagnosed in 2020 had a poorer WHO Performance status and more often distant metastases compared to the corresponding semester in 2017-2019.
  • In 2020, slightly less surgery was performed in favor of radiotherapy for patients with early-stage (I-II) lung cancer.
  • The unadjusted 90-day post-operative mortality increased, but this increase was no longer significant when adjusting for case-mix adjustment.
  • There was no significant change in relative survival rates at 1 and 3 years, with or without case-mix adjustment.
  • Lung cancer patients in Belgium experienced only minor changes in their care pathway during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The changes in stage distribution and the increase in 90-day postoperative mortality warrant monitoring of long-term outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 29,721 patients diagnosed with lung cancer between 2017 and 2020 were included in the study.
  • 90-day post-operative mortality increased by 85% (unadjusted) but became non-significant when adjusting for case-mix (adjusted).
  • Relative survival rates at 1 year were 1.02 (unadjusted and adjusted) and at 3 years were 1.05 (unadjusted) and 1.02 (adjusted).
  • The median number of fractions for radiotherapy courses was 5 in 2017-2019 and 5 in 2020.
  • The median duration of radiotherapy courses was 4 days in 2017-2019 and 4 days in 2020.

Sources:

  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, mortality, and survival in Belgium: A population-based study. Respiratory Medicine and Research, 2025;88:101205.
  • Respiratory Medicine and Research. Publisher: Elsevier, 685 Route 202-206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA.
  • Belgian Cancer Registry. Contact: Hanne Peirelinck, Brussels, Belgium.

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