ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9177-7442
Current Organisation
University of Newcastle Australia
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.15217
Abstract: The COVID‐19 pandemic has challenged cancer care globally, introducing resource limitations and competing risks into clinical practice. To describe the COVID‐19 impact on medical oncology care provision in an Australian setting. Calvary Mater Newcastle and Newcastle Private Hospital medical oncology data from 1 February to 31 April 2019 versus 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Three hundred and sixty‐four inpatient admissions occurred in 2020, 21% less than in 2019. Total inpatient days decreased by 22% (2842 vs 2203). April was most impacted (36% and 44% fewer admissions and inpatient days respectively). Mean length of stay remained unchanged (6.4 vs 6.2 days, P = 0.7). In all, 5072 outpatient consultations were conducted, including 417 new‐patient consultations (4% and 6% increase on 2019 respectively). Telephone consultations (0 vs 1380) replaced one‐quarter of face‐to‐face consultations (4859 vs 3623, −25%), with minimal telehealth use (6 vs 69). Day Treatment Centre encounters remained stable (3751 vs 3444, −8%). The proportion of new patients planned for palliative treatment decreased (35% vs 28%, P = 0.04), observation increased (16% vs 23%, P = 0.04) and curative intent treatment was unchanged (both 41%). Recruiting clinical trials decreased by one‐third (45 vs 30), two trials were activated (vs 5 in 2019) and 45% fewer patients consented to trial participation (62 vs 34). Our medical oncology teams adapted rapidly to COVID‐19 with significant changes to care provision, including fewer hospital admissions, a notable transition to telephone‐based outpatient clinics and reduced clinical trial activity. The continuum of care was largely defended despite pandemic considerations and growing service volumes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-07-2022
DOI: 10.1002/CNR2.1682
Abstract: In malignancy, eosinophils have been shown to play an important role in the tumour micro‐environment. Increasingly, development of eosinophilia with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use is thought to be predictive of prognosis and development of immune‐related adverse events. However, there are many other causes for developing eosinophilia which can contribute to the difficulties in diagnosis and management. Here, we present a case of Strongyloides parasitic infection as an uncommon differential for eosinophilia in a patient with lung cancer receiving a PDL‐1 ICI, durvalumab, in Australia. This case highlights the complexities exploring the multiple potential causes of eosinophilia and the subsequent management, to allow safe continuation of ICI.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Unpublished
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
No related grants have been discovered for Gaik Tin Quah.