Systemic anticancer treatments during COVID-19 and beyond

Alastair Whitington recaps the views of Dr Anne Rigg, Chair of the NHS England Chemotherapy Clinical Reference Group, on the impacts of COVID-19 on cancer patients and staff

About the Author

Alastair Whitington

Consultant Editor for Specialised Medicine; Trustee for Neuroblastoma UK.

Alastair led NHS England specialised commissioning engagement with providers and eight CCGs in North West London from 2013–2015. He was also Programme of Care Lead for London, responsible for the design and development of the commissioning framework and delivery of national strategies for over 100 specialised services. Alastair previously managed the Cancer Drugs Fund and Individual Funding Request process for specialised services in London.

alastair.whitington@mgp.co.uk

The UK Chemotherapy Board Annual Conference 2020 was held on 26 November 2020 as a virtual event. In this quarter’s Oncology Corner column, Alastair Whitington, Consultant Editor for Specialised Medicine, summarises a presentation given by Dr Anne Rigg, Chair of the NHS England Chemotherapy Clinical Reference Group, on the delivery of systemic anticancer treatments (SACT) during the pandemic, impacts of COVID-19 on oncology patients and professionals, and actions underway to restore cancer services.