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Review
. 2022 Aug 1;35(4):271-279.
doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000841. Epub 2022 Jul 5.

Long and persistent COVID-19 in patients with hematologic malignancies: from bench to bedside

Justin C Laracy  1   2 , Mini Kamboj  1   2 , Santosha A Vardhana  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Long and persistent COVID-19 in patients with hematologic malignancies: from bench to bedside

Justin C Laracy et al. Curr Opin Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cancer patients, especially those with hematologic malignancies, are at increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related complications and mortality. We describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of persistent COVID-19 infection in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Recent findings: The syndrome of persistent COVID-19 in patients with hematologic malignancies manifests as a chronic protracted illness marked by waxing and waning or progressive respiratory symptoms and prolonged viral shedding. Immunosuppressed patients with lymphoid malignancies may serve as partially immune reservoirs for the generation of immune-evasive viral escape mutants.

Summary: Persistent COVID-19 infection is a unique concern in patients with hematologic malignancies. While vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has reduced the overall burden of COVID-19 in patients with hematologic cancers, whether vaccination or other novel treatments for COVID-19 prevent or alleviate this syndrome remains to be determined.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: SAV is a consultant for Immunai and previously consulted for ADC Therapeutics. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Risk factors and symptoms associated with acute, persistent, and long COVID-19.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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