Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in India

Br J Haematol. 2024 Nov;205(5):2058-2062. doi: 10.1111/bjh.19750. Epub 2024 Sep 16.

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our findings highlight changes in AML management strategies in India. There was a decrease in overall patient registrations, particularly at large referral centers, while smaller centers saw an increase, reflecting a shift towards more localized care. This shift was accompanied by a rise in the use of hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Despite these changes, survival outcomes remained comparable to pre-pandemic levels, likely due to improved infection control measures and maintaining treatment protocols. Our study concludes that standard AML care remained feasible during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of continuing treatment for eligible patients even in times of crisis.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2*