Dr. Bociek on Outcomes of Patients With CLL and COVID-19

R. Gregory Bociek, MD, an associate professor of internal medicine, Division of Oncology and Hematology and program director, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, discusses outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and COVID-19.

One retrospective, multi-institutional study included 198 patients with COVID-19 and CLL across 43 institutions, according to Bociek. Data showed that approximately one-third of patients will not survive; the overall case fatality rate was 33%, Bociek says. Additionally, one-third of patients were intubated, or admitted to the intensive care unit, and 90% of patients were hospitalized.

Despite the fact that the investigators have done their best to collect data, they're more likely to think of patients who are sicker, according to Bociek. Additionally, the first few papers to be released could make the situation seem more dire than it actually is, Bociek adds. However, several lessons can still be taken away from the paper, such as that patients with more comorbidities and organ dysfunction may represent more challenging cases, Bociek concludes.