The impact of COVID-19 on acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a concise review

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to delineate the possible impact of COVID-19 on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in terms of diagnosis, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and vaccination response. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is markedly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as both donors and recipients must be healthy for transplantation to be feasible and successful. Delays in the identification of well-matched donors have been predicted, and represent a special challenge. Therefore, future donors should be tested for COVID-19. The outcome of delayed transplantation is vague and masked by variations in stem cell source along with disease subtype. However, if transplant delay results in recurrence of minimal residual disease, a negative impact on survival is anticipated.