The Impact of Covid-19 Outbreak among Lymphoma Patients: What Did We Learn?

Author(s): Piero Maria Stefani, Francesco Cinetto, Riccardo Scarpa, Endri Mauro, Carlo Agostini, Marcello Rattazzi

A very high number of articles have been published regarding SARSCOVID-19 infection among oncohematology patients. However, outside epidemiologic data and guidelines regarding the management of SARSCOVID-19 disease, no shared recommendations or expert opinions are available to decide whether it is advisable to initiate antineoplastic therapy during a phase of pandemic and, if so, how to modulate the treatment schedule. The need to administer antineoplastic or biological drugs and available monoclonal antibodies licensed for lymphoproliferative diseases makes it particularly complex in this perspective to define reasoned, evidence-based choices. We reviewed published studies with the largest cohort of patients, intending to recognize the most relevant risk factors. We have highlighted some unresolved questions about immunologic perturbation during SARSCOVID-19 infection that hinder a defined and biologically oriented approach, especially in the case of immunosuppression, both primary and acquired. It is interesting, in this context, that preliminary evidence shows a characteristic clinical course of SARSCOVID-19 infection that suggests specific management. We also summarized the role of immunoglobulin replacement treatment or monoclonal antibody administration.

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