Rewriting the rules for care of MDS and AML patients in the time of COVID-19. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raza, Azra; Assal, Amer; Ali, Abdullah M.; Jurcic, Joseph G.
• Is Part Of: Leukemia research reports. Volume 13(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Myelodysplatic Syndromes -- Acute myeloid leukemia -- telemedicine -- COVID-19 -- stem cell transplantation; Leukemia -- Periodicals; Lymphomas -- Periodicals; Multiple myeloma -- Periodicals; Leukemia -- Periodicals; Lymphoma -- Periodicals; Multiple Myeloma -- Periodicals; Hematologic Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Leukemia; Lymphomas; Multiple myeloma; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.9941905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lrr.2020.100201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-0489

Abstract

Abstract: The care of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been radically altered by COVID-19, especially in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic. Here we summarize how telemedicine, virtual visits, delayed transfusions, and chemotherapy, preferably selecting self-administered medications and visits by home healthcare workers, are employed to minimize exposure of our high-risk population of patients to the virus. The unique challenges of transplants during the pandemic and the consequences of an abrupt halt in all non-essential research activities are described. Not all the changes forced by COVID-19 are detrimental.