Managing hematological cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: an ESMO-EHA Interdisciplinary Expert Consensus

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to the clinical management of patients with hematological malignancies (HMs).
• Optimal care strategies for HMs during the pandemic required urgent clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide expert advice and clinical guidance on managing patients with hematological malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To establish consensus-based statements on critical aspects of HM care amidst the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• An international consortium, led by the European Society for Medical Oncology and the European Hematology Association, was formed.
• Six working packages addressed key clinical questions, followed by a virtual consensus meeting where global experts discussed and voted on statements.
• Statements were revised to achieve consensus on clinical guidance when initial agreement was not reached.

Main Results:

• A consensus was reached on 33 statements.
• These statements provide guidance for clinical decision-making for patients with hematological neoplasms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

• The developed consensus statements offer crucial guidance for healthcare professionals managing hematological malignancy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• This collaborative effort ensures evidence-based and expert-informed care recommendations.