Immunosuppression in hematological cancer patients with Covid-19 —Uncomplicated infections but delayed viral clearance?

Abstract

A higher complication rate of Covid-19 infections in hematological malignancies, as a result of compromised immune responses associated with disease or therapy has been suggested. Indeed, from the outset of the pandemic, and prior to the publication of these data, changes to drug schedules and life-style, to reduce risk have been recommended by disease-expert groups (https://b-s-h.org.uk/about-us/news/covid-19-updates). While several factors including the potential for contracting or transmitting infection during hospital visits and challenges in delivery of care have influenced these recommendations, a significant driver for change has been the perceived level of immunosuppression in patients with hematological cancers. The scientific rationale for these recommendations is sound, but emerging data indicate that the frequency of Covid-19 complications in patients on immunosuppression for autoimmune disorders is not different from the baseline population. Recent reports on cancer patients including hematological malignancies too suggest that anti-cancer therapies are unlikely to worsen Covid-19 infections.

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leukres.2020.106407

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https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/891a1eb3-e06f-4771-a115-38aad9d6484c