Tumor Surgery and Research Goes On Amid O.R. Shutdowns: A Double-Edged Sword for Patients in the COVID-19 Era .

Sarcoma care has faced significant disruption during COVID-19, as immunosuppressed cancer patients carry higher infection and mortality risks. Guidelines now stress careful triage, with priority given to high-risk primary sarcomas and the use of neoadjuvant therapy when surgery must be deferred. Virtual tumor boards and telemedicine have become essential tools to maintain multidisciplinary planning while reducing exposure. Surveillance routines have also shifted, with many follow-up visits postponed or transitioned online, raising concerns about patient reassurance but unlikely to affect long-term survival. Ongoing trials such as PARITY and SAFETY continue with modified procedures, highlighting how sarcoma teams are adapting to safeguard treatment, research, and patient wellbeing during an evolving public health crisis.