COVID-19 Challenges: Managing Patients with CLL

This episode of CANCER BUZZ explores challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and as pandemic restrictions are lifted, considerations for keeping these patients as safe as possible.  Guest: Christopher D'Andrea, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Center Webinars Learning from COVID-19: Coping Strategies for CLL Providers & Patients Thursday, May 20, 2021, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM EDT The pandemic has heightened the distress patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are experiencing and taken its toll on providers. We'll discuss strategies and solutions to these ubiquitous challenges and the path forward for providers and patient care. CLL Treatment Considerations: COVID-19 and Beyond Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM EDT The pandemic has deeply affected the treatment patterns for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Hear considerations for treating patients with CLL during the pandemic--including best options and timing for treatment and any changes to the usual treatment regimen.  The COVID-19 Vaccine for Patients with CLL and Other Cancers(recorded 4/20/21) Hear current considerations for COVID-19 vaccines and the respective NCCN guidance for patients with CLL and other cancers.  Returning to Practice in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Hematology Disease Education (recorded 4/27/21)  An expert panel shares insights and updates on lessons learned for managing patients with hematologic cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) Clinical Updates in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (recorded 12/16/20) Gain perspectives on the assessment of MRD as part of routine clinical practice for patients with CLL. The presentation will be valuable for understanding the impact of MRD on treatment decisions and practice patterns, which has promise to lead to major improvements in outcomes for CLL patients in the very near future. ACCC Publications  Multidisciplinary Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Care: Quality Improvement Case Studies. Despite the challenges unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, three ACCC-member cancer programs participated in quality improvement (QI) workshops and completed subsequent QI projects aimed at improving specific aspects of care for their patients with CLL. Learn about the focus and results of their QI initiatives and  Multidisciplinary Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Care. Read an overview of the current CLL treatment landscape and learn how three cancer programs in different care settings have operationalized multidisciplinary care delivery for patients with CLL.  From the American Society of Hematology:  COVID-19 and CLL: Frequently Asked Questions (Last updated February 2, 2021) Q&A with input provided by Mazyar Shadman, MD; John Byrd, MD; Michael Hallek, MD; Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD; Peter Hillmen, MBChB, FRCP, FRCPath, PhD; Anthony Mato, MD; and Paolo Ghia, MD, PhD. This podcast is produced as part of the "Returning to Practice in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Resources for Treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia" education program.  Learn more at accc-cancer.org/projects/post-covid-cll/overview.  The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Community Cancer Centers.