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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Lymphoma | Original Article

Radiation treatment of hemato-oncological patients in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

Expert recommendations from the radiation oncology panels of the German Hodgkin Study Group and the German Lymphoma Alliance

Authors: M. Oertel, K. Elsayad, R. Engenhart-Cabillic, G. Reinartz, C. Baues, H. Schmidberger, D. Vordermark, S. Marnitz, P. Lukas, C. Ruebe, A. Engert, G. Lenz, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. H. T. Eich

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 12/2020

Abstract

Purpose

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting global health systems, endangering daily patient care. Hemato-oncological patients are particularly vulnerable to infection, requiring decisive recommendations on treatment and triage. The aim of this survey amongst experts on radiation therapy (RT) for lymphoma and leukemia is to delineate typical clinical scenarios and to provide counsel for high-quality care.

Methods

A multi-item questionnaire containing multiple-choice and free-text questions was developed in a peer-reviewed process and sent to members of the radiation oncology panels of the German Hodgkin Study Group and the German Lymphoma Alliance. Answers were assessed online and analyzed centrally.

Results

Omission of RT was only considered in a minority of cases if alternative treatment options were available. Hypofractionated regimens and reduced dosages may be used for indolent lymphoma and fractures due to multiple myeloma. Overall, there was a tendency to shorten RT rather than to postpone or omit it. Even in case of critical resource shortage, panelists agreed to start emergency RT for typical indications (intracranial pressure, spinal compression, superior vena cava syndrome) within 24 h. Possible criteria to consider for patient triage are the availability of (systemic) options, the underlying disease dynamic, and the treatment rationale (curative/palliative).

Conclusion

RT for hemato-oncological patients receives high-priority and should be maintained even in later stages of the pandemic. Hypofractionation and shortened treatment schedules are feasible options for well-defined constellations, but have to be discussed in the clinical context.

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Title: Radiation treatment of hemato-oncological patients in times of the COVID-19 pandemic
Expert recommendations from the radiation oncology panels of the German Hodgkin Study Group and the German Lymphoma Alliance
Authors: M. Oertel
K. Elsayad
R. Engenhart-Cabillic
G. Reinartz
C. Baues
H. Schmidberger
D. Vordermark
S. Marnitz
P. Lukas
C. Ruebe
A. Engert
G. Lenz
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. H. T. Eich
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Lymphoma
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 12/2020
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-020-01705-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Radiation treatment of hemato-oncological patients in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

Expert recommendations from the radiation oncology panels of the German Hodgkin Study Group and the German Lymphoma Alliance

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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