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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Immunoglobulin Gene Sequence Analysis In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Patient Material To Sequence Interpretation
Published on: November 26, 2018
How We Manage Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Davide Rossi1,2, Mazyar Shadman3,4,5, Adalgisa Condoluci1
1Division of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Insights
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) face increased risks from infections, including COVID-19, due to their condition and treatments. This guideline helps clinicians manage CLL patients during SARS-CoV-2 epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients experience high rates of morbidity and mortality from infections.
- Anti-leukemic treatments can further compromise immune function in CLL patients.
- CLL patients share general population risk factors for severe COVID-19, increasing vulnerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinicians with expert guidance on managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients during SARS-CoV-2 epidemics.
- To offer a literature-informed opinion on adapting CLL management strategies in the context of COVID-19.
- To prepare healthcare providers for potential resurgences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in CLL patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence.
- Expert consensus-building on management strategies.
- Development of clinical recommendations for patient care.
Main Results:
- CLL patients are at elevated risk for severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Management strategies must consider both CLL-specific fragilities and COVID-19 risks.
- Proactive adaptation of CLL care is crucial to mitigate infection-related morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of CLL patients during SARS-CoV-2 epidemics requires a dual focus on leukemia control and infection prevention/treatment.
- Clinicians must remain vigilant for recurrent SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Preparedness and adaptive strategies are essential for optimizing outcomes in CLL patients facing infectious threats.
Abstract:
Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These can be exacerbated by anti-leukemic treatments. In addition, the typical patients with CLL already have fragilities and background risk factors that apply to the general population for severe COVID-19. On these bases, patients with CLL may experience COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Recurrent seasonal epidemics of SARS-CoV-2 are expected, and doctors taking care of patients with CLL must be prepared for the possibility of substantial resurgences of infection and adapt their approach to CLL management accordingly. In this Guideline Article, we aim at providing clinicians with a literature-informed expert opinion on the management of patients with CLL during SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.
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