Melanoma (English) – Webinar Outline

Introduction: Dr. Kassouf

• Initiation of the webinar via Zoom
• Introduction of panelists
• Acknowledgement of Save Your Skin, Quebec Lung Association and Quebec Cancer Coalition.
• Present outline: presentation by Dr. Aleksi Suo, testimony by Mr. Chris Isfeld, live Q&A period

Part 1: Dr. Aleksi Suo

1. Could you briefly outline the management of melanoma before the COVID-19 pandemic?
   • Diagnostic and staging methods: imaging, biomarkers testing, laboratory investigations, hospital visits. The goal here would be to highlight points of contact with the healthcare system.
   • Mention the multiple therapeutic modalities: surgery, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical studies.
2. How has the pandemic impacted the management of melanoma?
   • The balance between treatment benefits against the risk of exposure and immunosuppression linked to certain treatments.
     1. What are the benefits of the therapies?
        1. Which treatments are done for each stage?
        2. What is done in a medical emergency? Which treatments are prioritized? 
     2. What are the risks associated with treatment?
        1. Risks depending on the type of treatment.
     3. What are the risks linked to exposure for each treatment? Frequency of hospital visits? 
        1. Visits for injections, laboratory investigations, routine imaging?
   • Are patients with cancer at risk for increased complications with COVID-19?
     1. Do melanoma patients represent a subgroup with a different risk?
   • Practically, how does this impact our melanoma patients?
     1. Are we seeing postponement of treatments? Do postponed treatment have an impact on survival?
     2. How are urgent cases dealt with? How do you define urgency? 
     3. Do we sometimes see substitutions in treatment with a more acceptable side effect profile? If so, do they have similar benefits?
     4. How do you manage side effects remotely while ensuring patient compliance?
     5. Are treatments for clinical trials still underway?
     6. Finally, how do you make the decision to start or continue treatment?
   • Overall, do you notice a gradual recovery in activities in your respective field?
     1. Are resources readily available? (medical staff, hospital beds. etc.)
     2. How does the situation at your practicing centre compare to others in the province, nationally, or internationally?
   • Any anecdotes, relevant cases you would like to share?
3. How can patients continue to protect themselves and reduce the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 infection in healthcare settings and while interacting with healthcare professionals?
   • Comment on the measures already in place: telemedicine, PPE, screening methods when visiting hospitals

Part 2: Mr. Chris Isfeld

1. Do you feel like you are safe when receiving care?
   • Discussion over postponement of treatment and follow-up
   • Comment on your communication with healthcare workers
2. What are your biggest fears?
3. What activities have you adopted to deal with the current situation?
   • In terms of infection prevention
   • In terms of managing anxiety and stress
4. What steps should healthcare professionals take to ensure and maintain your confidence in these uncertain times?
5. Any anecdotes you would like to share?

Part 3: Live Question and Answer Period

Evaluation form and acknowledgements