IMPACT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH LUNG CANCER

Abstract

Lung cancer is the tumor with the highest rate of death and male morbidity worldwide. There is a large number of patients with lung cancer. With the spread of a new epidemic of coronavirus pneumonia, ordinary medical care for patients with lung cancer is suffering.In patients with lung malignancies after receiving antitumor treatment, the overall immune status usually decreases, which fa-vours COVID-19 infection and the development of severe complications. Given the current situation, in the context of a pandemic, it is necessary to adjust approaches to the treatment of such patients and pay special attention to the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection and limit the spread of infection. This review article will address the spread of coronavirus infection among patients with lung malignancies. A tactically important point is a qualitative differential diagnosis between coronavirus pneumonia and lung cancer. In order to prevent infection of SARS-CoV-2 among health workers and to limit the spread of this disease among patients with lung cancer, special attention should be paid to endoscopic diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indications and features of lung transplantation will also be considered when other treatment methods are ineffective and when coronavirus pneumonia progresses.