A UK-wide database of cancer patients affected by coronavirus could help save lives, a Dundee University expert has claimed.
Dundee is one of the first areas to join the UK Cancer Coronavirus Monitoring Network, which helps healthcare experts identify effective treatments for caner patients impacted by Covid-19.
Russell Petty, professor of Medical Oncology at Dundee University’s School of Medicine, has hailed the network, which shares anonymous information on patient care to medical experts across the country.
While cancer patients are at increased risk of contracting Covid-19, there remain uncertainties as to how the virus interacts with cancer, which type of patients may be most vulnerable and the best way to treat them.
Data has already been submitted to the database and Mr Petty says it will allow experts to pinpoint suitable care plans for cancer patients who contract coronavirus quicker than previously possible.
He said: “I am proud that Dundee has been one of the first cancer centres to sign up to this initiative.
“Sadly, cancer patients are more susceptible to contracting coronavirus. Their immune system is already weakened, particularly in those receiving chemotherapy, but thankfully most patients already take extra precautions to keep themselves away from potential sources of infection.”
Mr Petty said that having access to a wider net of information will assist with decision making by demonstrating what has and has not worked elsewhere.
He added: “What this project will do will allow us to share details of cancer patients that are infected by Covid-19 with other healthcare workers, detailing their treatments and what has proven successful.
“This should be hugely reassuring for our patients, as it will allow us to identify the best pathway to keep them safe at what is a hugely worrying time.
“Because more than 90 cancer centres in the country are contributing we should expect the database to build up very quickly, allowing us to make the best informed decisions that protect those we care for.”
The UK Cancer Coronavirus Monitoring Network has been founded by universities in Birmingham, Oxford and Leeds and is supported by Cancer Research UK, The Association of Cancer Physicians, The Royal College of Radiologists and the UK Chemotherapy Board.
It is believed to be the first register of its kind in the world.
