RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Disruption of Radiological Surveillance Following a Global Health Crisis in Resected Lung Cancer
A1 Fuentes Martín, Álvaro
A1 Martínez Hernández, Néstor J.
A1 Embun Flor, Raúl
A1 Muñoz Moreno, María Fe
A1 Cilleruelo Ramos, Ángel
K1 Oncología
K1 Radiología
K1 Cirugía torácica
K1 Estudios de seguimiento
K1 Servicios sanitarios
K1 Neoplasias pulmonares
K1 Cirugía torácica
K1 3213 Cirugía
K1 3207.13 Oncología
K1 3201.11 Radiología
AB ObjectivesRadiological surveillance after curative-intent lung cancer resection is essential for early detection of recurrence and second primary tumors. Large-scale health emergencies can compromise oncologic follow-up. This study quantifies the impact of a health crisis on radiological surveillance in a national cohort of resected lung cancer patients.MethodsA time-segmented observational cohort study was performed using data from the prospective, multicenter GEVATS registry. Surveillance density (CT/month) was evaluated across three predefined periods: pre-pandemic (baseline), state of alarm (maximum healthcare restrictions), and post-alarm (recovery phase). The population at risk was updated for each period. Subgroup analyses during the post-alarm phase assessed prioritization according to neoadjuvant treatment, pathological stage, age, and comorbidity.ResultsAmong 2382 eligible patients, surveillance density declined progressively from the pre-pandemic period (0.157 ± 0.079 CT/month) to the state of alarm (0.098 ± 0.071 CT/month). In the post-alarm phase, density dropped sharply to 0.023 ± 0.018 CT/month (equivalent to one CT every 3.6 years), representing a 76.5% reduction compared with the state-of-alarm period (p < 0.001). This under-surveillance was generalized, with no significant differences by pathological stage (p = 0.084), age (p = 0.564), or comorbidity (p = 0.872). Only prior neoadjuvant therapy was associated with a slightly higher density (p = 0.040).ConclusionsA prolonged health crisis resulted in a profound and persistent reduction in radiological surveillance after lung cancer resection, without evidence of risk-based prioritization. These findings support the need for contingency frameworks within clinical guidelines to preserve continuity of oncologic follow-up during future health emergencies.
PB Wiley
SN 1759-7706
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83623
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83623
LA eng
NO Thoracic Cancer, 2026, vol. 17, n. 5.
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 18-mar-2026