You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


Introduction {#sec1}
============

Since the initial cases of COVID-19 were reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China,[@bib1] the SARS-CoV-2 virus disseminated internationally, rapidly reaching pandemic proportions. The United States has reported the largest number of cases worldwide, and New York City has become the epicenter of the crisis.[@bib2] In the face of COVID-19, patients with cancer represent a particularly vulnerable population, with data suggesting a higher risk for severe events such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ventilator requirement, or death compared with the general population.[@bib3]^,^[@bib4] There is a wide variation in clinical presentation, with up to 80% of patients estimated to be asymptomatic[@bib5] and the remainder experiencing symptoms ranging from transient fever, dry cough, and dyspnea to respiratory failure, multiorgan failure, and death.[@bib6] Rare symptoms including anosmia and ageusia, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, have also been described.[@bib7]^,^[@bib8] Adverse outcomes and death are more common in the elderly and those with comorbidities, with a fatality rate ranging from 4% to 11%.[@bib9]

There have been several reports documenting the pulmonary imaging abnormalities associated with COVID-19, including in the setting of subclinical disease.[@bib10], [@bib11], [@bib12], [@bib13] A study from China reported on temporal patterns of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia on computed tomography (CT); the most common CT patterns in such patients were ground-glass opacities (GGOs), air bronchograms, crazy-paving patterns, and thickening of the adjacent pleura.[@bib10] Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a medical imaging technique capturing cone-shaped x-ray beam images that are reconstructed to form a 3-dimensional axial representation of the patient.[@bib14] CBCT is one of many image-guided radiation therapy (RT) tools used for the verification of patient setup to ensure accurate RT delivery.[@bib15] In patients undergoing breast or thoracic RT, the lungs are encompassed in the daily CBCT, allowing the unique opportunity to monitor lung findings over several weeks. Typically, bone and soft tissue windows are used to allow for anatomic matching on specified structures for RT targeting. However, timely review of lung windows on CBCT may afford the opportunity to assess for lung changes indicative of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Patients undergoing RT must present to a health care facility for treatment because delay, interruption, or premature termination of RT are associated with suboptimal oncologic outcomes.[@bib16], [@bib17], [@bib18], [@bib19] Unfortunately, daily travel to a health care facility increases the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and, in the case of asymptomatic patients, inadvertent dissemination of the virus to other patients, health care professionals, and administrative staff. Rapid recognition of COVID-associated lung abnormalities on routine daily CBCTs may allow for early clinical assessment and the prompt initiation of appropriate precautions and/or treatment for these patients. The purpose of this case report is to describe an initially asymptomatic patient in our radiation oncology clinic who was noted to have imaging changes consistent with SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary changes on CBCT before the onset of symptoms.

Case {#sec2}
====

The patient is a postmenopausal woman who received a diagnosis of pathologic T2N0M0, moderately differentiated invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast that was estrogen receptor--positive, progesterone receptor--positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2--negative. The patient was treated with lumpectomy and sentinel-lymph node biopsy, to be followed by adjuvant hypofractionated whole-breast RT (4256 cGy in 16 fractions) and hormone therapy, as per multidisciplinary tumor board recommendations. At the time of CT simulation, the patient did not report fever or respiratory symptoms, and her lung parenchyma on the CT simulation was normal. Approximately 2 weeks later, in March 2020, RT was initiated, and the patient remained asymptomatic. The patient was treated on our Varian Halcyon unit, using daily kilo-voltage (kV) CBCTs for patient setup. During the first week of treatment, no radiographic pulmonary abnormalities were noted on daily review of the CBCT soft tissue windows.

The patient presented on Monday morning for her sixth fraction of RT, and upon COVID-19 verbal screening at the entrance to the cancer center, she reported a 2-day history of fatigue and fever, with a peak temperature of 101°F. She had no other complaints and denied respiratory symptoms. Her vital signs were within normal limits, and her oxygen saturation was at her baseline of 95% to 98% on room air. Lung auscultation revealed good air entry bilaterally with no adventitious sounds. Owing to the limited access of SARS-CoV-2 testing in New York City, outpatient testing was not available, and the patient's symptoms were not severe enough to warrant referral to the emergency room. As per departmental guidelines based on CDC recommendations,[@bib20] the patient's RT was held until she became afebrile without antipyretics for at least 72 hours and at least 7 days from symptom onset.

The patient's 5 CBCT scans from the first week of RT were reviewed retrospectively, and peripheral, predominantly right lower lobe GGOs were noted on the CBCT obtained at the fourth and fifth fractions in the 2 days before her symptom onset ([Fig 1](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}). The patient was monitored daily via telemedicine. She remained febrile with fatigue and anorexia. On the fourth day after symptom onset, she reported a mild, transient dry cough, dysgeusia ("everything tastes salty"), and dysosmia ("smelling coffee all day"). The patient defervesced on the eighth day after symptom onset, and she was no longer symptomatic. On the 11th day after symptom onset, the patient met our departmental criteria for resuming RT with the appropriate precautions for COVID-recovered patients. CBCT that day showed substantial worsening of the GGO bilaterally ([Fig 2](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}). The case was reviewed with diagnostic radiology and infectious disease; given the severity of the radiologic findings and the unknown consequence of RT in a patient recovering from probable SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, it was decided to hold RT again and obtain serial diagnostic imaging to monitor the progression of lung disease.Figure 1(A) Baseline CBCT. (B) CBCT at fourth fraction. (C) CBCT at fifth fraction. Serial CBCT scans demonstrate increasing peripheral ground-glass opacities, predominantly in the lower right lobe (red arrows). *Abbreviation:* CBCT = cone beam computed tomography.Figure 2Selected images from cone beam computed tomography scan obtained on the 11th day after symptom onset, after the patient had a complete clinical recovery and was eligible to resume radiation therapy based on departmental guidelines. The cone beam computed tomography scan demonstrates worsening peripheral ground-glass opacities with greater bilateral involvement.

The patient underwent diagnostic CT of the chest on the 13th day after symptom onset, demonstrating bilateral, peripheral GGOs most prominent on the right side and lymph nodes in the pretracheal space and an aortopulmonary window measuring up to 1.2 cm ([Fig 3](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}, column A). Diagnostic impression was consistent with a viral pneumonitis, including COVID-19 pneumonia. Comparison made with CBCT scans from 2 days prior showed stable to improved pulmonary findings. Repeat diagnostic CT of the chest was performed on the 16th day after symptom onset, demonstrating improvement in bilateral, peripheral GGOs with decreased lymphadenopathy, suggesting an amelioration ([Fig 3](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}, column B). The patient resumed RT and remained asymptomatic with continued improvement in her pulmonary GGOs on subsequent CBCT scans.Figure 3Left panel: diagnostic computed tomography scan obtained the 13th day after symptom onset demonstrating bilateral peripheral ground-glass opacities, more prominent on the right side. Right panel: diagnostic computed tomography scan obtained the 16th day after symptom onset, with improvement and diminished volume of ground-glass opacities.

Discussion {#sec3}
==========

COVID-19 infection disproportionately affects patients with underlying comorbidities, including cancer.[@bib21] Given that patients with cancer require frequent medical visits to treatment facilities, the risk of inadvertent dissemination of COVID-19 poses a serious threat to this vulnerable patient population. Adding to this challenge is the covert nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with rates of asymptomatic infection being reported as high as 80%. Up to 50% of asymptomatic patients can have radiographic abnormalities before the onset of symptoms.[@bib22] Radiographic imaging findings are important in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In patients with cancer receiving CBCT as part of their RT, review of lung windows to screen for COVID-19 changes could lead to early detection of the infection in asymptomatic patients.

Studies have described the radiographic characteristics of distinct groups of patients and temporal changes associated with disease progression.[@bib10] The imaging features of this viral pneumonia are diverse, typically ranging from normal appearance to diffuse changes in the lungs; patients with multiple comorbidities are more likely to have bilateral and diffuse disease.[@bib10] Overall, there is a slight predilection for the lower right lobe. The extent of disease on CT increases gradually from the subclinical period throughout the first 3 weeks, then decreases thereafter,[@bib10] but radiographic changes may continue to evolve beyond 26 days of symptoms.[@bib10]^,^[@bib12] Asymptomatic patients are more likely to have unilateral, multifocal GGOs. After symptom onset, bilateral and diffuse GGOs are predominant. In the progressive stage, GGOs are relatively decreased in frequency, with a transition to consolidation and mixed-pattern development. As the disease peaks, GGOs decrease further, and peak lung involvement is characterized by increasing crazy-paving patterns and reticulation, along with bronchiolectasis and thickening of the adjacent pleura. The resolving stage demonstrates decreasing consolidation and absence of crazy-paving patterns after the first 2 to 3 weeks of disease.[@bib11], [@bib12], [@bib13]^,^[@bib23], [@bib24], [@bib25] Our patient's radiographic changes were generally consistent with the aforementioned findings; during the subclinical period, GGOs were predominantly located in the peripheral right lower lobe and progressed in the symptomatic stage to become more diffuse and bilateral. Based on our patient's available imaging, her CT lung abnormalities appeared to peak in severity approximately 11 days after symptom onset, followed by gradual resolution of GGOs as demonstrated in her diagnostic CT scans ([Fig 3](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}).

Radiographic evolution of the disease typically mirrors the clinical course, with time to medical ventilation and ICU admission paralleling the severity of CT findings.[@bib26] Timely detection has been shown to be associated with improved clinical outcomes and prognosis.[@bib27] One retrospective series demonstrated as many as 75% of patients with negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 testing had positive CT findings; some patients continued to test negative on repeat RT-PCR before eventually testing positive, indicating CT findings may have greater sensitivity than RT-PCR. Interestingly, 40% of patients had improvement in CT findings before serial RT-PCR results converting from positive to negative,[@bib13] suggesting RT-PCR results lag behind radiographic findings.

Patients undergoing therapeutic radiation typically undergo radiographic confirmation of setup before treatment delivery. Modalities include KV port films using 2-dimensional x-ray and/or CBCT scans.[@bib15]^,^[@bib28] Traditionally, patients treated with breast-tangent RT do not undergo daily image-guided radiation therapy, but rather weekly portal imaging. The Varian Halcyon 2.0 platform uses KV CBCT and iterative CBCT imaging for improved soft tissue definition.[@bib29] Patients with thoracic and breast malignancies undergoing treatment on the Halcyon receive CBCT for setup verification, which opportunely encompasses the lungs. Pulmonary infiltrates potentially indicative of infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be identifiable on routine daily CBCT scans, which would not otherwise have been appreciable with KV orthogonal imaging or weekly portal imaging. Given the relatively high proportion of patients with breast cancer treated in most radiation oncology departments, Halcyon's daily KV CBCT imaging presents a unique opportunity for lung evaluation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suppli et al have reported on early pulmonary findings discovered on retrospective review of daily CBCT scans done in a patient with lung cancer admitted to the ICU during RT who ultimately died of COVID-19 infection.[@bib30]

In our institution, this case prompted the initiation of a protocol for the prospective review of thoracic CBCT scans in patients undergoing RT in an effort to detect pulmonary changes suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonitis. With the limited access to SARS-CoV-2 testing in NYC and the risk of false-negative RT-PCR despite abnormal CT chest findings, the utility of a laboratory test in identifying asymptomatic or suspected infected patients with cancer may be impractical. Given that imaging characteristics have been shown to correlate with clinical severity and progression of disease, the combination of clinical and laboratory findings and acquaintance with typical radiographic COVID-19-related changes may facilitate the prompt diagnosis of these patients, leading to immediate quarantine and/or treatment and decreased risk of unintended dissemination.

Conclusions {#sec4}
===========

COVID-19 has affected the United States on a level not seen since the influenza pandemic of 1918, and NYC rapidly became the epicenter of the pandemic. Due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic patients and the limited availability of outpatient SARS-CoV-2 testing, a combination of screening for symptoms, clinical acumen, and use of available technology is necessary for the prompt identification and management of these patients. As many patients with cancer undergo routine CBCT during RT, familiarity with COVID-19-related lung changes may lead to earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment while decreasing inadvertent dissemination among this vulnerable patient population.

Sources of support: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosures: The authors certify they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest, or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this editorial.

Data sharing: Research data are not available at this time.