COVID-19 Resources & Support

Launch Free COVID-19 Course

The ACMA recognizes that this is a very difficult time for everyone around the world. The Covid-19 pandemic is creating disruptions in healthcare systems at an unprecedented scale.

We are committed to supporting the life sciences community and the wider healthcare ecosystem in fighting Covid-19.

What is ACMA doing?

COVID-19 Task Force

The ACMA has convened a COVID-19 task force made up of leaders from the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, academia and medicine to focus on the burgeoning needs among the medical affairs/MSL community in the COVID-19 “new normal.”

Financial Assistance

We recognized that many professionals have had to deal with pay cuts, lay offs and other challenging economic hardships. The ACMA will work with you to offer flexible payment plans. Please inquire for more details by contacting us at info@medicalaffairsspecialist.org

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Free COVID-19 Course

The ACMA has provided a free COVID-19 course which offers deeper insights and learning for those interested in better understanding the various aspects of the infection. Click on the link below to access the course.

Launch COVID-19 Course

Medical Affairs COVID-19 Initiative

The ACMA has received a large number of requests from companies interested in using this time to Board Certify their medical affairs/MSL teams through the Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program. During the pandemic, the ACMA will donate a portion of the proceeds received from any organization to help healthcare providers and workers in cities ravaged by COVID-19. Email us to learn more.

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Donating to Food Banks

Many families are struggling to meet basic needs such as food and shelter during the pandemic. The ACMA will be organizing a way for our industry partners to donate to food banks to help those in need. More information to follow.

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COVID-19 Resources

We’ll use this page to provide you with the latest information that we can confirm with reputable sources. If you have updates that you believe should be included here, please let us know through our LinkedIn page or by email at research@acmainfo.org .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Launch COVID-19 Course

Summary of FDA Guidance to Industry on Clinical Development during COVID-19 Pandemic

  • The ultimate purpose of the guidance is to support the clinical trial sponsors in regards to clinical trials currently being conducted while still maintaining compliance to GCP, trial participant safety and trial integrity
  • Challenges that may arise include: quarantines, site closures, travel limitations, interruptions to supply chain of investigational product, or COVID-19 infection in clinical trial staff or participants
  • These challenges will result in deviation from study protocols and FDA recognizes modifications may need to be made
  • Factors that will influence the level of measures taken include region where the study is conducted, the disease state, trial design, etc.

    Considerations for Ongoing Trials:

    • Safety of trial participants is paramount - decisions must be made on whether continuation of the study drug, continuing recruitment, and changes to patient monitoring are modifications that are in the patient’s best interest and be informed of any changes
    • Quarantines or travel limitations may prevent participants from going to the investigational site for protocol-specified visits – in these situations sponsors could consider alternative methods for safety assessments
    • Additional safety monitoring (withdrawal symptoms) may be necessary for participants who can no longer access investigational product and/or site
    • If COVID-19 screening become mandated by health care system it does not need to be reported as an amendment to the protocol
    • Sponsors are encouraged to engage IRB/IEC as early as possible regarding changes to protocol due to COVID-19, however, if the change is to protect well-being of the participant (e.g. limit COVID-19 exposure) the changes can be implemented with IRB approval or before filing amendment to IND or IDE, required to be reported after
    • Sponsors and clinical investigators must report the reason for contingency measures implemented, duration of the changes, and which participants were impacted and how they were impacted
    • Important to capture specific information in case report form explaining the basis of missing data and how that missing data relates to COVID (e.g. missed study visits or discontinuations)
    • Investigational products that are self-administered can be securely delivered to participants; if administered by HCP alternative method can be implemented (e.g. home nursing)
    • Consultation with appropriate review division recommended regarding protocol modifications related to collection of efficacy endpoints; must document situations where efficacy endpoints aren’t collected and relationship to COVID
    • Sponsors should address in statistical analysis plan how protocol deviations due to COVID will be handled in prespecified analyses
    • Consider using central and remote monitoring of clinical trial sites
  • For trials impacted by COVID sponsor should include in appropriate sections of clinical study report:
    • Contingency measures implemented and analyses and discussions regarding the impact of these measures
    • All participants effected by COVID-19-related study disruptions
    • It is important to make efforts to minimize the impact on trial integrity and documenting reasons for protocol deviations

To access complete FDA guidance, please click here.

COVID-19 News Alert

Stay Informed: Sign up for our COVID-19 news alert

Potential Treatment Options for COVID-19

  • At present clinical management includes infection prevention and control measures and supportive care, including supplementary oxygen and mechanical ventilatory support when indicated
  • Remdesivir
    • Recently received orphan drug approval.
    • An investigational IV drug with broad antiviral activity that inhibits viral replication through premature termination of RNA transcription and has in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 and in-vitro and in-vivo activity against related betacoronaviruses
    • Ways for patients to access: enrollment in NIH double blind placebo controlled study, two phase III randomized open label trials, Compassionate use to individuals who cannot access the trials. Although company is currently limiting to pregnant women and those under 18 years of age.
  • Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine
    • Chloroquine has been used for malaria treatment and chemoprophylaxis, and hydroxychloroquine is used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and porphyria cutanea tarda
    • Both have in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses, with hydroxychloroquine having relatively higher potency against SARS-CoV-2
    • Based upon limited in-vitro and anecdotal data, they are currently recommended for treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in several countries
    • Hydroxychloroquine is currently under investigation in clinical trials for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and treatment of patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19.
    • Dosing is anecdotal – there is no actual dosing recommendation

Companies Developing Drugs for COVID

  • Was initially developed as a possible treatment for Ebola and was sidelined in favor of other treatments and vaccines. Currently, doesn’t have approval for any indication by any regulatory body
  • There is an NIH study as well 2 Gilead-sponsored studies
  • Randomized, open label, Phase III Clinical Trials underway to evaluate in moderate and severe cases of COVID
    • Started enrolling in March, results expected in May
  • Started randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II/III trial to test as treatment for patients who have been hospitalized
  • Aim is to evaluate if it reduces fevers and need for supplemental oxygen
  • Early results from a small 21-person trial in China that have not been peer-reviewed found that COVID-19 patients reported reductions in fever and 7% of them had a reduced need for supplemental oxygen within days of starting treatment.
  • Phase III clinical trial initiated as treatment for patients with COVID-19 who have been hospitalized with severe pneumonia
  • Will begin enrollment in early April 2020
  • plans to examine patient mortality and need for mechanical ventilation or an intensive care unit stay among other primary and secondary endpoints.
  • The trial is in partnership with BARDA.

COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Articles - April

  • Nearly half of Iceland’s tests have been conducted by biopharma company deCODE genetics, focusing on the wider population
  • DeCODE has tested about 9,000 self-selected people so far
  • Fewer than 1% of the tests came back positive for the virus
  • Around 50% of those who tested positive said they were asymptomatic
  • NEW ESTIMATE shows 25% to 50% of coronavirus carriers don’t feel sick and can infect others
Read Article
  • Try not to touch face while trying to adjust masks
  • Save the N95 masks for healthcare workers who need them
  • Social distancing is still necessary while wearing a face covering
Read Article
  • COVID Symptom Tracker app
  • 26% of the 1.5 million app users between March 24-29 2020 reported one or more symptoms through the app
    • 1,702 reported having been tested for COVID-19, with 579 positive and 1,123 negative results
  • 59% of COVID-19 positive patients reported loss of smell and taste, compared with only 18% of those who tested negative
  • Symptoms that could predict COVID-19: loss of smell and taste, fever, persistent cough, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite
Read Article
  • 9 young to middle-aged and otherwise healthy patients
  • Patients received treatment for mild upper respiratory symptoms
  • Shedding (ability to expel or excrete the virus) of COVID-19 in the upper respiratory tract is most efficient in the early stages of the disease, when symptoms are still mild
  • Results showed high levels of COVID-19 replication in the upper respiratory tract in the first week of symptoms for all patients (peak at 7.11 x 108 RNA copies per throat swab, day 4)
  • 2 patients continued to show high viral levels until the 10th or 11th day

Published: April 1st 2020

Read Article
  • Persons with underlying health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease, appear to be at higher risk for severe COVID-19- associated disease than persons without these conditions
  • 7,162 patients with data on underlying health conditions and other known risk factors
  • 2,692 (37.6%) patients had one or more underlying health condition or risk factor
  • The percentage of COVID-19 patients with at least one underlying health condition or risk factor was higher among those requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission (358 of 457, 78%)
  • Those requiring hospitalization without ICU admission (732 of 1,037, 71%) vs those who were not hospitalized (1,388 of 5,143, 27%).
Read Article
  • According to a report by Shanghai Medical Association, high dose IV vitamin C may improve lung function in hospitalized people with COVID-19
  • There is no evidence that oral vitamin C supplements will help treat or prevent COVID-19
  • If taking supplement, don’t take more than 2,000 mg per day
Read Article
  • Researchers from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia (MCRI) began organizing a trial to investigate whether the tuberculosis (TB), bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), might offer some protection against COVID-19
  • Trial of the vaccine on around 4,000 frontline medical staff at hospitals across Australia
  • A previous study showed that BCG at birth may decrease hospitalization due to respiratory infection and sepsis
Read Article
  • Research showed that social distancing measures implemented in China prevented more than 700,000 COVID-19 cases from developing outside of Wuhan between January 23 — when Chinese officials imposed a nationwide travel ban — and February 19
  • The researchers were able to examine the movements of 4.3 million people as they moved away from Wuhan between January 11 and January 23
Read Article
  • Self-reported data of 1,356 adults in United Kingdom
  • Study showed 73% reduction in the average daily number of contacts observed per participant (10.8 to 2.9)
  • Estimated that it is sufficient to reduce R0 from 2.6 prior to lockdown to 0.62 after the lockdown based on all types of contact
  • 0.37 for physical contacts only
  • R0: the reproduction number – to describe the intensity of an infectious disease outbreak
  • This article encourages that social distancing and hygiene measures can cut off the number of people that COVID-19 can affect
Read Article
  • Significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, and can still transmit the virus to others
  • CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are too difficult to maintain (grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission
  • 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus
  • Surgical masks or N-95 masks should still be reserved for healthcare workers
Read Article
  • A French study with 7 men and 4 women with a mean age of 58.7 years, 8 had significant comorbidities associated with poor outcomes
  • Within 5 days, one patient died
  • 8/10 patients still positive for COVID-19 after 5 days of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin combination therapy
  • This study found no evidence of a strong antiviral activity or clinical benefit of the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for severe COVID-19 cases
Read Article
  • 4-year-old tiger, called Nadia, is thought to be the first animal to have confirmed COVID-19 case in the United States
  • Nadia and six other tigers and lions were symptomatic with a dry cough
  • Test was confirmed by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory
  • There are no reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, but it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals
Read Article
  • A significant amount of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus may be from pre-symptomatic people
  • Therefore, a mobile app-based contact tracing system can help reduce the amount of time it takes to identify people who have come into contact with a person who has COVID-19
  • The app proposed doesn’t need to track the user’s location; it uses a low energy version of Bluetooth to log a memory of all the app users with whom the user have come into close proximity over the last few days
  • If a person becomes infected, people are alerted instantly and anonymously and advised to go home and self-isolate
Read Article
  • People who take glucocorticoids may be more likely to contract COVID-19, and are more likely to have severe symptoms
    • It reduces inflammation, but also suppresses one’s immune system
  • Recommendation: Any patient with a dry continuous cough and fever should immediately double their daily oral glucocorticoid dose and continue until the fever has subsided
    • Deteriorating patients and those who experience vomiting or diarrhea should seek urgent medical care and be treated with parenteral glucocorticoids
  • Recommendation: anyone who has the symptoms of COVID-19 and has previously been taking glucocorticoids in any form for more than 3 months should be considered for parenteral glucocorticoid therapy if there is a need to reverse adrenal failure
  • However, people should not stop their glucocorticoids without consulting their doctors. Example: asthma inhalers
Read Article
  • Research shows that even a tiny, single-unit increase in particle pollution levels in the years before the pandemic is associated with a 15% increase in the death rate
  • People in polluted areas are far more likely to die from COVID-19 than those living in cleaner areas
Read Article
  • Currently, it is unclear where COVID-19 falls on the immunity spectrum
  • Although most people with SARS-CoV-2 seem to produce antibodies, it is not clear what it takes to be effectively protected from the infection
  • Two unanswered questions: How long do SARS-CoV-2 antibodies stick around? And do they protect against reinfection?
  • Immunity to seasonal coronaviruses starts declining a couple of weeks after infection, while for SARS-CoV, immunity peaks at around four months and offers protection for roughly 2-3 years
Read Article
  • Researchers believe that previously designed paper-based test, which is cost effective and do not require skilled laboratory technicians, could be effective in detecting the SARS-CoV-2.
  • SARS-CoV-2 can be identified not only in nasal and oral swabs, but also in stool samples
  • The paper-based device is a small analytical tool with different functional areas printed with a wax printer that integrates all processes (extraction, enrichment, purification, elution, amplification, and visual detection) required for nucleic acid testing into an inexpensive paper material.
  • Currently, paper-based devices can detect a range of other pathogens, such as Zika virus, Salmonella, and HIV
  • The paper device has the potential to be used as a small, portable device to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater on site and to track virus carriers in the community
Read Article

COVID-19 Articles - March

  • Study of 16 patients with COVID-19 who were treated at the Treatment Center of PLA General Hospital in Beijing between January 28 and February 2020
  • Half of the patients (8/16) were viral positive even after resolution of their symptoms
    • Major symptoms: fever (14/16), cough (11/16), pharyngalgia (5/16), dyspnea (2/16)
    • Range: 1 to 8 days after the resolution of symptoms (Median 2.5 days)
    • Study population had relatively mild symptoms, so results may be longer for severe patients
  • Patient could infect their close contacts even after “apparent recovery” from the infection

Published: March 27, 2020

Read Article
  • Research by Lydia Bourouiba, MIT professor
  • Gas cloud and pathogen-bearing droplets of all sizes can travel 23 to 27 feet
  • Recommendations for social distancing of 3 to 6 feet may be an underestimation
  • “There is an urgency in revising the guidelines currently being given by the WHO and the CDC on the needs for protective equipment, particularly for the frontline health care workers”

Published: March 26, 2020

Read Article
  • Methods
    • Collected individual-case data for COVID-19 patients in Hubei, mainland China (until Feb 8,2020) and outside of mainland China (until Feb 25, 2020)
  • Findings
    • Mean duration of onset of symptoms to death: 17.7 days
    • Mean duration of hospital discharge: 24.7 days
    • Fatality rate in China
      • 0.32% in age < 60
      • 6.4% in ≥ 60 years old
      • up to 13.4% in > 80 years old
    • Fatality rate outside of China
      • 1.4% in < 60 years old
      • 4.5% in ≥ 60 years old
    • Estimates of proportion of infected individuals likely to be hospitalized increased with age (18.4% in ≥ 80 years old)

Published: March 30, 2020

Read Article
  • Austrian officials announced that they were making the wearing of masks in supermarket mandatory
    • Masks to be distributed in Austria are below medical grade and goal is to prevent the wearer from spreading virus to others
  • WHO still recommends people to not wear face masks unless they are sick with COVID-19 or caring for someone who is sick

Published: March 30, 2020

Read Article
  • FDA approves Battelle technology to sterilize N-95 masks, being able to reuse masks

Published: March 29, 2020

Read Article
Key Points
  • Based on scientific evidence, it is reasonable to believe that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may be effective in treating COVID-19, and that potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks
  • There is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the emergency use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
  • Chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine must be administered by a healthcare provider pursuant to a valid prescription of a licensed practitioner
  • Chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate may only be used to treat adult and adolescent patients who weigh 50 kg or more and are hospitalized with COVID-19
  • Suggested Doses
    • Chloroquine: 1g of chloroquine on day one, followed by 500 mg daily for 4 to 7 days of total treatment based on clinical evaluation
    • Hydroxychloroquine: 800 mg of hydroxychloroquine on day one, followed by 400 mg daily for 4 to 7 days of total treatment based on clinical evaluation
  • Contraindications: prolonged QT interval at baseline or at increased risk for arrythmia

Letter of Approval on March 28, 2020

Letter of Approval Hydroxychloroquine Fact Sheet Chloroquine Fact Sheet
  • FDA Authorized the emergency use of Bodysphere Inc’s test that can detect the coronavirus in nearly 2 minutes
  • Administered like a glucose test
  • Designed for use strictly by medical professionals
Read Article

Others at risk of COVID-19:

We currently DO NOT know…
  • If pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general population
  • If pregnant women are more likely to have severe illness from COVID-19
  • If COVID-19 would cause problems during pregnancy or affect the health of the baby after birth
However, pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections, so it important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses – How?
  • Cover your cough
  • Avoid people who are sick
  • Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Breastfeeding
  • We currently DO NOT know whether COVID-19 can be transmitted via breast milk
  • Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers
A mother with confirmed COVID-19 should take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant
  • Wash hands before touching the infant
  • Wear facemask while feeding at the breast
  • Wash hands before touching any pump or bottle parts
  • If possible, consider having someone who is well feed the expressed breast milk to the infant
CDC - Learn More
Heighted Risk Factors
  • Lack of housing contributes to poor health outcomes
  • Sleeping outdoors often does not provide protection from the environment, quick access to hygiene, and sanitation facilities, or connection to healthcare
Prevention measures
  • Do not clear encampments unless individual housing units are available. Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community which may increase the chance of disease spreading
  • Encourage people to set up tents/sleeping quarters with at least 12 feet x 12 feet of space per individual
  • Ensure nearby restroom facilities have functional water taps, and are stocked with hand hygiene materials and bath tissues
CDC - Learn More

Guide to Coronavirus for Cancer Patients

Coronavirus for Cancer Patients Guide was created by Asbestos. Below we have summarized key topics. The full guide can be read by clicking here or on the link below.

  • COVID-19 is a serious health concern, especially for people with thoracic cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma
  • Having the latest information and proper resources will help cut through the panic and prepare cancer patients to stop the spread of COVID-19
  • The American Cancer Society is now recommending that no one should go to a health care facility for routine cancer screening at this time. If you are due for a regular screening visit, plan to postpone this appointment for the near future.
Read Full Guide
  • As coronavirus attacks the lungs, it causes lung tissue to produce increased fluid and cellular waste known as exudate. This buildup of fluids and matter causes inflammation of vital tissue such as the lining of air sacs and the pleura, which is the tissue surrounding the lungs.
  • In cancer patients, these tissues have likely already been damaged by cancer cells or various treatments. Damaged tissues in the lungs are more prone to infection as they lack the natural defenses of healthy cells.

Cancer patients can protect themselves by following the same recommended procedures as the general public.

  • Wash your hand often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after touching someone else, being in a public place, coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Keep surfaces clean and disinfected. Frequently touched surfaces in your home should be cleaned and wiped with household disinfectants.
  • Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, those who might be sick, or those who are at higher risk of health complications. Keeping at least 6 feet away from any other people can significantly limit the spread of the virus.
  • Learn how to make video calls with family members using a phone, tablet or computer.
  • Set up accessibility options, such as increased font size and volume, on devices.
  • Register for grocery deliveries through Amazon or meal kit deliveries, such as BlueApron or HelloFresh, instead of eating out.
  • When eating out, make sure to transfer food out of containers and wash thoroughly to prevent infection.
  • Use TaskRabbit to hire someone for household chores, repairs or miscellaneous tasks.
  • For nonessential doctor visits or routine health care, use a telehealth service to connect over video with a provider who can refill prescriptions or monitor your health.
  • Older adults with thoracic cancers and other respiratory illnesses are the populations most at risk from COVID-19.
  • A study published March 3, 2020, showed cancer patients were prone to severe events from exposure to COVID-19, including admission to an intensive care unit requiring invasive ventilation.
  • According to a JAMA Oncology study published March 25, 2020, lung cancer patients are at high risk of coronavirus complications. The study reported that hospital admission and frequent hospital visits were the greatest potential risk factors for infection.
  • People with lung cancer have a 50% to 70% chance of developing serious lung infections, such as pneumonia, during their illness.
  • Cancer patients and other people with weakened immune systems should be aware of the differences between symptoms of an infection versus of a chronic respiratory illness
  • Cough: Coughing will be more persistent in thoracic cancers, lasting several weeks and getting progressively worse.
  • Shortness of breath: People with pneumonia will have short and severe bouts of breathlessness that may progress rapidly. In lung cancer and mesothelioma patients, shortness of breath is typically more persistent and regular.
  • Fatigue: Pneumonia may cause tiredness, but it is usually not as severe as fatigue in cancer patients.
  • Loss of appetite: Anorexia, or decreased appetite, is more common in cancer than in pneumonia. This is the primary cause of weight loss in mesothelioma and lung cancer patients and can be mitigated by a healthy diet.
  • Phlegm, wheezing or chest pain: These are similar in presentation in thoracic cancers and pneumonia. If these symptoms worsen, contact your physician for further testing.
  • Due to the overlap in symptoms between respiratory infections and thoracic cancers, the risk of misdiagnosis is much higher during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Common symptoms that occur in thoracic cancers and not in respiratory infections include:
    • Vocal changes such as hoarseness
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Swelling in the face or neck
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Joint pain in the shoulders or neck
    • Changes in the shape or color of fingertips and nail beds
  • As pneumonia develops from severe coronavirus infections, it can cause severe damage to mesothelioma and lung cancer patients who have undergone aggressive treatment or only have one lung remaining
  • Tumor mass in the lungs or chest cavity takes oxygen and essential nutrients away from healthy cells, and cancerous tumors cause a decrease in normal lung cell function. This increases the risk of infection and prevents the ability to clear the infection
  • A person with metastatic lung cancer who develops pneumonia has a 5-year survival rate of less than 5% compared to more than 95% for people infected with pneumonia without lung cancer
  • Contact your regular supplier of oxygen or medical supplies and find out if they are still delivering to homes during the pandemic.
  • If your regular supplier is unavailable, contact your health care provider for a list of services that provide the equipment you need.
  • For Deliveries: Call ahead to your delivery services if they can offer contactless delivery or drop-off and prevent contamination of your home or their employees.
  • People who are still recovering from surgery and require caregiving at home should continue to follow the CDC and WHO policies and procedures for preventing infection and decreasing risk of transmission
  • Due to the overwhelming number of people seeking medical care and the burden that COVID-19 is placing on health care providers, it may be more difficult to access your regular cancer treatments during this time.
  • It’s important to call ahead wherever you plan to be seen. The office can make accommodations for you and their staff, so you are only in proximity with essential staff
  • Make sure to contact your pharmacy and health care providers and inquire about any altered business hours or unavailable services.
  • Keep clear and organized documentation of your health and symptoms to prepare for any disruptions in your regular care.
  • Have medication lists, medical history, test results and similar medical documents available, in case you are required to continue treatment at an alternative site.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Contact the medical facility where you currently receive treatment to discuss if your treatment will be affected.
  • If you have routine scans or tests scheduled, consult your physician if it’s worth delaying these appointments, especially if you are clinically stable and without symptoms
  • If your treatment center is moving to limited or discontinued availability, follow up with them and find out if they can provide a list of alternative resources or places to receive treatment.
  • You can also contact your insurance provider for a list of facilities where you can temporarily access your treatment. They may also be able to inform you of any home care options available.
  • If alternative treatment centers or services are needed, call ahead to any transportation companies you may need to use.
  • Visiting hours for friends and families may be limited or restricted.
  • There may be increased screening procedures and precautions.
  • You may expect delays in treatment or scheduling appointments.
  • Medical staff may be reduced, increasing wait times and limiting services.
  • Supplies, such as medical masks and oxygen, may be limited.
  • Cancer patients should refrain from close proximity to anyone who may be sick or could have recently come in contact with someone who has coronavirus
  • Frequent handwashing is important for caregivers and patients. Continue to disinfect any frequently touched objects or surfaces with household cleaning solutions.
  • A replacement caregiver should be appointed if the primary caregiver is experiencing any symptoms or has been exposed to anyone ill. If an alternative caregiver is not available, contact your physician about making arrangements for a visit or possible home health care services.
  • Experimental medication available through clinical trials may be affected. The research staff will inform you and your physician of any potential interruptions in treatment during this time and provide you with options.
  • If your medication becomes unavailable or a treatment delay would be too long, it is likely your physician will temporarily switch you to conventional treatment until the clinical trial resumes operation.
  • If you are actively receiving chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, speak with your treatment center staff and physicians to ensure they are taking all precautions necessary to protect you from transmission.
  • Patients receiving chemotherapy should always stay at home except when treatment is required.
  • In most cases, your physician or mesothelioma specialist will withhold chemotherapy or other cancer treatments to give your body the best chance at fighting the viral infection