The travails of therapeutic modifications in cancer care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: future directions and lessons learned

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose challenges of unparalleled magnitude. Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 amongst cancer patients has been associated with higher mortality rates and ventilation support, with the highest mortality associated with hematological malignancies [1–3]. The burgeoning risk of disease progression secondary to delayed treatment-seeking behavior precipitated by fears surrounding the pandemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. While the risk stratification and categorization of cancer care priority remains elusive, we hereby provide some suggestions to bridge the chasm that exists in our current cancer care regimens despite recent suggestions pertaining to therapeutic modifications.