We asked Kristin Higgins, MD, from Emory University in Atlanta, to answer questions that are most relevant to the lung cancer community regarding coronavirus and COVID-19 rom a radiation oncologist perspective.
Below are the questions addressed in the accompanying video:
- As a radiation oncologist, what are the top five things you would tell a lung cancer patient about COVID-19?
- I am in the middle of my radiation therapy. I have finished seven cycles for my stage III. If I stop now, what will happen?
- I was supposed to start SRS for my brain mets - can it wait?
- I am in the middle of SRS for my brain mets - should I stop therapy?
- I finished radiation therapy last year - are my lungs now healthy enough to withstand COVID-19?
- I am a small cell lung cancer patient on a clinical trial of radiation and immunotherapy. Should I stop the trial? Will my cancer grow if I stop the trial?
- This is an incredibly stressful and isolating time for the lung cancer community. Any advice on how to manage stress and anxiety?
- What is your message of hope for the community?
You can download a transcript of Dr. Higgins' responses here (respuestas en español aquí).