Systematic Evaluation of Studies in the Fields of Diagnosis and Management of Prostate Cancer in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The proper management of this cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or similar outbreaks could be a serious challenge. Proper timing of surgery, radiotherapy, and other medical modalities are essential in providing the most effective treatment. Objectives: This systematic review aimed at evaluating the proper management of prostate cancer during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was conducted from 2019 to 2022. An internet search was conducted using the keywords: Diagnosis, management, radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, hormone ablation therapy, chemotherapy and prostate cancer, and COVID-19. The visited databases included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, and Scientific Information Database. The review was performed based on the preferred reporting items for a systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Postponing the biopsy for up to three months and adopting of non-invasive diagnostic methods were likely reasonable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with cancer were more prone to severe injuries and were more likely to have serious complications. Surgery, radiation therapy, brachytherapy, palliative radiation, hormone ablation therapy, and chemotherapy were among the pre-institutional treatments that had to be performed according to medical protocols as well as health and professional guidelines. Conclusions: It was recommended that the prostate cancer screening should not be performed for asymptomatic men during the COVID-19 outbreak. It was also suggested that the treatment should be performed in the shortest possible time and in the safest way.