Immune Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been first described in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has led to a worldwide pandemic ever since. Initial clinical data imply that cancer patients are particularly at risk for a severe course of SARS-CoV-2. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), infections are a main contributor to morbidity and mortality driven by an impaired immune system. Treatment initiation is likely to induce immune modulation that further increases the risk for severe infections. This article aims to give an overview on pathogenesis and risk of infectious complications in patients with CLL. In this context, we discuss current data of SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients with CLL and how the pandemic impacts their management.

Automated summary

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, leading to a global pandemic. Cancer patients, especially those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), are at higher risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infections due to their impaired immune systems. Treatment initiation can further increase the risk of severe infections for CLL patients.