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Use of remdesivir for COVID-19 in patients with hematologic cancer

Alexandra Martin-Onraët1, Corazón Barrientos-Flores2, Diana Vilar-Compte2

  • 1Infectious Diseases Department, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Avenida San Fernando 22, Col Sección 16 Belisario Dominguez, 14080, Tlalpan CDMX, Mexico. alexitemaon@gmail.com.

Clinical and Experimental Medicine
|December 12, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) face high COVID-19 risks. Remdesivir showed no benefit in hospitalized HM patients, but ambulatory use prevented progression, suggesting potential for early intervention in this vulnerable group.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
  • The Omicron variant presented unique challenges for managing COVID-19 in immunocompromised populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of remdesivir on COVID-19 progression in patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) during the Omicron wave in Mexico City.
  • To identify factors associated with COVID-19 progression in this high-risk patient group.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study included 115 patients with HM and COVID-19 from December 2021 to March 2022.
  • Data collected included socio-demographic information, clinical status, vaccination history, and remdesivir treatment details.
  • The primary outcome was progression to severe or critical COVID-19, with logistic regression used for variable analysis.

Main Results:

  • Of 115 patients, 24% received remdesivir. Overall, 19% progressed to severe/critical COVID-19, and 8% died.
  • Remdesivir did not reduce progression risk in hospitalized patients.
  • Notably, none of the nine patients receiving ambulatory remdesivir progressed to severe COVID-19 or died.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with HM remain at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications.
  • Early administration of remdesivir in an ambulatory setting may prevent severe outcomes in HM patients.
  • Further prospective studies are essential to determine optimal antiviral strategies and treatment durations for this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Hematologic malignanciesOmicronRemdesivir

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