How COVID-19 Has Impacted Clinical Trials for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

[AussieNeil]

"Many patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) rely on the outcomes of clinical trials that examine new ways to treat the disease. But with the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic changing the way health care is provided around the country, so too is participation in these trials, according to Dr. Brian Koffman, the co-founder, executive vice president and chief medical officer of the CLL Society.

CURE® recently spoke with Koffman about how clinical trial participation has become more flexible over the course of the pandemic in an effort to keep immunocompromised individuals like those with CLL safe, by utilizing things like telemedicine and localized care to avoid exposure to the virus."

Short interview with transcription: curetoday.com/cure-tv/how-c...

More generally, another CURE® article on COVID-19's Impact on How Patients with CLL, Myeloma Have Received Treatment

curetoday.com/articles/covi...

This MDEdge article looks at the general impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the care of COVID-free cancer patients and clinical trials

ASCO panel outlines cancer care challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

mdedge.com/fedprac/article/...

Ironically, many of us are now able to schedule an on-line consult with our doctor or specialist, thus avoiding the risk of infection through travelling and in waiting rooms and saving us time. The challenges associated with physical examinations are another matter .

Thankfully with CLL, we can generally accept a delay in starting treatment and more and more of us are now able to start on oral treatments, thus avoiding the risk of attending hospital for infusions. Unfortunately, some of us undergoing treatment are having our treatment deferred, including IVIG infusions, though for many of us, our risk of catching an infection is much reduced due to us isolating. For those on IVIG, now would be a good time to ask if you can switch to subcutaneous IgG infusions. You can keep a month or two of IgG in your refrigerator and do the infusions at home. The weekly infusions also keep your immunity at a much more steady level, avoiding the increased risk of infection just before your next due IVIG infusion.

This is an unlocked post: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil

[Zia2]

Thank you for this post. I had nearly given up on a trial since the travel and visits there might be too much of a risk. This has been on my mind a lot lately and now I realize it may still be possible. I’ll ask her (CLL doc) in June if she still believes this as well.

Hopeful.

[oztrader]

Thank you Neil as always your information is very helpful

[Nosleepatall]

I have been receiving IVIG in a hospital setting for 22 years. They have changed the qualifications to receive this in the hospital so I have been without it for 6 months and am getting sicker everyday. Have just found out that I may be able to get it at home but just don’t know what to think about getting it subcutaneously! Would love some feedback! Thank you, Kathy

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to Nosleepatall]

Having subcutaneous Ig has many advantages, particularly now we need to be aware of the risks of COVID-19. What's more you are no longer tied to having it scheduled in hospital - but can take it with you while travelling.

Here's my experience:

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil