Treating hematolymphoid malignancies during COVID-19 in India: Challenges and potential approaches

Abstract

The rapidity of both the geographical expansion and the sudden increase in the numbers of COVID-19 cases poses critical challenges to public health and has the potential to severely limit non COVID-19 medical care. With early reports from China & Italy suggesting that patients with hematolymphoid malignancies along with the other cancers are at the highest risk of severe infection compared to the normal population; it is a challenge on how to best manage such patients in India. There is a lack of reliable evidence and it is yet unclear as to what the best practices are with regards to patients with hematolymphoid malignancies in this time of crisis. We present a collection of best practices and guidance from literature search, society resources and communications with experts. Despite the unique and unprecedented nature of this challenge, our approach should reflect the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence as outlined in the Hippocratic oath.