Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) are considered highly susceptible to bacteria and viruses due to immunocompromisation. Now, in the post-COVID era, we are facing multiple viruses at the same time (i.e., Influenza, RSV, and COVID). It is as important as ever for patients with CLL to continue receiving vaccinations, as well as following safety and preventive measures such as wearing masks and social distancing. CANCER BUZZ spoke to Brian Koffman, MDCM, DCFP, FCFP, DABFP, MSEd, Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, and Chief Medical Officer at the CLL Society in Chula Vista, CA. Hear the most up-to-date best practices, including shared decision-making, regarding treating patients with CLL in this post-COVID era.

"The pandemic forced into the spotlight the reality that all CLL patients, regardless of their treatment status, even those who have not been treated, are immunocompromised. Patients had to make shifts in their lifestyle."

"I think it is important that CLL patients realize that the pandemic is not over for the immunocompromised. And the virus that causes Covid infections, is not going away."

– Brian Koffman, MDCM, DCFP, FCFP, DABFP, MSEd

Brian Koffman, MDCM, DCFP, FCFP, DABFP, MSEd

Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, and Chief Medical Officer

CLL Society

Chula Vista, CA

Resources:

Patients with CLL have a lower risk of death from COVID-19 in the Omicron era (nih.gov)

CLL Society

Cancer Support Community

ClinicalTrials.gov