Therapy of Hodgkin lymphoma in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Relevance. COVID-19 pandemic currently has a significant negative impact on the treatment of patients with oncological pathology, including patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Generalized data on publications on the impact of concomitant pathology on the severity of infection show a significant increase in the risk of death from infection in male patients, aged 60 years, with the presence of 3 concomitant diseases, among which particularly negative role is played by diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, oncology, chronic lung disease, immunodeficiency conditions. Particularly dangerous is the development of COVID-19 infection in an interval of less than 14 days from the course of antitumor therapy. At the same time, patients with Hodgkin lymphoma require immediate treatment, often associated with toxic, immunosuppressive therapy, frequent visits to the clinic, hospitalizations. International communities have not yet developed clear guidelines for the management of patients with Hodgkins lymphoma. Taking into account the understanding that the circulation of coronoviral infection will continue in the population, the Advisory board on the Problems of Hodgkin Lymphoma Therapy in the COVID-19 Pandemic is highly relevant. Aim. To change and adapt current treatment approaches in the current epidemiological environment. Results. The main directions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of patients with cancer pathology, including patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma, were determined, key problems in the treatment of LC during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified, and measures aimed at reducing the risk for patients were developed. Existing approaches to first-line, relapse/refracturing cHL therapy, including salvage therapy, and auto/allo SCT during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been adapted.

Keywords

• hodgkin lymphoma
• covid-19