Temporal variation in initial UICC stage and post-diagnostic treatment intervals in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma in Saxony before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor for which early diagnosis and timely treatment are important determinants of prognosis. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery and reduced participation in preventive examinations. This study examined temporal differences in initial tumor stage and post-diagnostic treatment intervals among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: This retrospective registry-based study included 3,216 patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma between 1 January 2018 and 5 August 2024. Patients were categorized into the pre-pandemic period, the early pandemic period, and the later pandemic period according to their date of diagnosis. Initial UICC stage and post-diagnostic treatment intervals were compared between the three predefined periods and additionally analyzed according to year of diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric statistical tests were applied. Results: The distribution of initial UICC stages differed between the three predefined periods, with a higher proportion of stage IV disease in the pre-pandemic period; however, the association was weak. Significant differences between the predefined periods were also identified for the interval from diagnosis to the first multidisciplinary tumor board and for the intervals from the tumor board to surgery with and without subsequent radiotherapy. In the year-by-year analysis, differences were observed in initial UICC stage and in the intervals from diagnosis to the tumor board and from the tumor board to surgery with subsequent radiotherapy. No significant year-by-year difference was observed for the interval from the tumor board to surgery without subsequent radiotherapy. Overall, the annual patterns were non-linear. Conclusion: No prolongation of the evaluated post-diagnostic treatment intervals was observed during the early pandemic period compared with the pre-pandemic period. However, the differences in initial UICC stage and selected treatment intervals were small, and the additional year-by-year analysis demonstrated non-linear temporal variation. The findings should therefore be interpreted as temporal associations rather than as evidence of a causal adverse or beneficial effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Frontiers in Oncology
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7222945990