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. 2020 Jun;212(10):481-489.
doi: 10.5694/mja2.50607. Epub 2020 May 13.

Managing haematology and oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: interim consensus guidance

Robert Weinkove  1   2 , Zoe K McQuilten  3   4 , Jonathan Adler  5 , Meera R Agar  6 , Emily Blyth  7   8 , Allen C Cheng  3 , Rachel Conyers  9   10 , Gabrielle M Haeusler  11   12 , Claire Hardie  13 , Christopher Jackson  14   15 , Steven W Lane  16 , Tom Middlemiss  17 , Peter Mollee  18   19 , Stephen P Mulligan  20 , David Ritchie  21 , Myra Ruka  22   23 , Benjamin Solomon  24 , Jeffrey Szer  11   21 , Karin A Thursky  11   24 , Erica M Wood  3   4 , Leon J Worth  11   24 , Michelle K Yong  11   24 , Monica A Slavin  11   24 , Benjamin W Teh  11   24
Affiliations

Managing haematology and oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: interim consensus guidance

Robert Weinkove et al. Med J Aust. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: A pandemic coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causes COVID-19, a potentially life-threatening respiratory disease. Patients with cancer may have compromised immunity due to their malignancy and/or treatment, and may be at elevated risk of severe COVID-19. Community transmission of COVID-19 could overwhelm health care services, compromising delivery of cancer care. This interim consensus guidance provides advice for clinicians managing patients with cancer during the pandemic.

Main recommendations: During the COVID-19 pandemic: In patients with cancer with fever and/or respiratory symptoms, consider causes in addition to COVID-19, including other infections and therapy-related pneumonitis. For suspected or confirmed COVID-19, discuss temporary cessation of cancer therapy with a relevant specialist. Provide information on COVID-19 for patients and carers. Adopt measures within cancer centres to reduce risk of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 acquisition; support population-wide social distancing; reduce demand on acute services; ensure adequate staffing; and provide culturally safe care. Measures should be equitable, transparent and proportionate to the COVID-19 threat. Consider the risks and benefits of modifying cancer therapies due to COVID-19. Communicate treatment modifications, and review once health service capacity allows. Consider potential impacts of COVID-19 on the blood supply and availability of stem cell donors. Discuss and document goals of care, and involve palliative care services in contingency planning.

Changes in management as a result of this statement: This interim consensus guidance provides a framework for clinicians managing patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the rapidly changing situation, clinicians must also monitor national, state, local and institutional policies, which will take precedence.

Endorsed by: Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group; Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group; Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group; Australia and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine; Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases; Bone Marrow Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand; Cancer Council Australia; Cancer Nurses Society of Australia; Cancer Society of New Zealand; Clinical Oncology Society of Australia; Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand; National Centre for Infections in Cancer; New Zealand Cancer Control Agency; New Zealand Society for Oncology; and Palliative Care Australia.

Keywords: COVID-19; Hematologic neoplasms; Immunosuppression; Virus diseases.

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