Impact of COVID-19 in Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Navigating Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Immunocompromised Populations: Evolving Risk Factors, Treatment, and Outcomes

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately impacted immunocompromised hosts, leading to higher morbidity and mortality. The clinical outcomes have varied based on the degree of immunosuppression, treatment availability, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants, and vaccination status. This review discusses the evolving epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention strategies for COVID-19 in immunocompromised populations, including patients living with human immunodeficiency virus, solid organ transplant, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Impact of memory T cells on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in hematopoietic stem cell transplant

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients had elevated mortality rates from SARS-CoV-2 infection, ranging between 10-40%. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines are important tools in preventing severe disease, yet their efficacy post-transplant remains unclear, especially in patients subjected to myeloablative chemotherapy and immunosuppression. We evaluated humoral and adaptive immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination series in 42 HSCT recipients and 5 healthy controls. Post-vaccination responses were assessed by anti-spike IgG and nucleocapsid levels, and antigen specific T cell activity. Immune profiling was performed using clinical flow and mass cytometry. Patients were selected based on humoral and cellular responses for single-cell RNA with TCR and BCR sequencing. Our studies revealed defects in memory T cells that correlated with an absence of cellular response despite nearly universal humoral response. Several patients with a robust antibody response developed COVID-19 infection, but none developed severe disease or died from the infection.

Nationwide study of COVID-19 outcomes in hematologic patients following bone marrow transplantation

Background Patients with hematological malignancies (HMs), particularly those who have undergone bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), are at greater risk for morbidity and mortality due to immunosuppression. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these vulnerabilities in HM patients, although comprehensive data specifically on HSCT recipients are limited. Objective This study investigated the clinical and demographic profiles of HSCT recipients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Spain. We also identified factors associated with in-hospital mortality in HSCT patients. Methods We conducted a nationwide, retrospective analysis using data from the Spanish National Health System. We included hospitalized patients with HMs and COVID-19 infection from 2020 to 2022. We used descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression, and survival analyses to assess predictors of mortality. Results In total, 35,648 patients with HMs were included, of whom 2,324 (6.5%) had undergone HSCT. The in-hospital mortality rate for HSCT recipients was 13%, lower than the 20% observed in non-HSCT patients. Older age, dementia, acute leukemia, and solid tumors were independently associated with increased mortality. In spite of their immunosuppressed state, HSCT recipients experienced relatively favorable outcomes, suggesting partial immune recovery following transplantation. Conclusions HSCT recipients with COVID-19 present different clinical characteristics and mortality risks than non-recipients. These findings indicate the need for specific management strategies for this vulnerable population. Further research is needed to explore immunological recovery and the transplant-specific factors that may influence COVID-19 outcomes.

Patients with multiple myeloma infected with COVID-19 during autologous stem cell transplantation

Despite the global vaccination campaigns, certain patient groups remain highly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 and are at high risk for unfavorable COVID-19 outcomes. As previously shown by our group and a more recent report by Chang Su and coworkers, patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) represent one of such high-risk populations. This is due to the underlying disease-related immunodeficiency, suboptimal response to vaccines, heavy exposure to dexamethasone, and the use of high-dose melphalan prior to the ASCT procedure. Contracting SARS-CoV-2 and developing COVID-19 during the ASCT procedure remain high-risk events for these patients. It is then crucial to maintain and implement all appropriate strategies to prevent COVID-19 breakthroughs in this clinical setting. This might include targeted pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis with monoclonal antibodies, based on the circulation and prevalence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants/subvariants, and the prompt use of antivirals if, despite prophylaxis, MM patients develop COVID-19 during the transplantation procedure. We emphasize the importance of regularly monitoring MM patients for SARS-CoV-2 infection at all stages of the ASCT procedure. This is crucial to promptly implement measures to reduce the risk of unfavorable COVID-19 outcomes during the current post-pandemic phase.

Impact of COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies on outcomes of COVID-19 infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant and chimeric antigen receptor therapy recipients

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) recipients are at higher risk of serious complications of COVID-19 infection than the general population. Though there is evidence that monoclonal antibodies (MCA) against COVID-19 reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in the general population, data regarding their efficacy in HSCT and CAR-T recipients remains scarce.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of HSCT and CAR-T recipients to compare 30-day outcomes between patients who did and did not receive MCA after their first episode of COVID-19 between May 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Outcomes were defined as the most severe complication experienced out of the following: 30-day emergency department visit, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death after COVID-19 infection.

RESULTS

We identified 166 patients comprised of 53.6% allogeneic HSCT, 35.5% autologous HSCT, and 10.8% CAR-T recipients; 107 had received a COVID-19 vaccine >2 weeks prior to testing positive, and 40 were treated with MCA. After adjusting for age, presence of symptoms at the initial positive test, and COVID-19 vaccination status, patients who did not receive MCA were five times more likely to develop complications after COVID-19 infection (adjusted odds ratio 5.0 [95% CI, 1.9-12.8], p = .001).

CONCLUSION

HSCT and CAR-T recipients who received MCA following COVID-19 infection were far less likely to develop COVID-related complications than those who did not receive MCA, regardless of vaccination status. This underscores the potential benefit of developing novel MCA with efficacy against circulating COVID-19 strains.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in Mexico City

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are among patients with highest risk of adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

We compared clinical outcomes in post-HSCT patients with COVID-19 before and during the Omicron period.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study including patients post-HSCT with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection from April 2020 to March 2023 at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City. We describe their clinical characteristics and report the variables associated with severe clinical disease, hospitalization, and death.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were included; 31 (58.5%) from the pre-Omicron period and 22 (41.5%) from the Omicron period. Median age was 42-years old (interquartile range 26-53), and 31 patients (59%) were men. Only four patients (16%) had received a vaccine prior to COVID-19 diagnosis in the pre-Omicron period versus 20 (91%) in the Omicron period (p < 0.001). COVID-19 severe cases were more common before Omicron: seven patients (23%) versus two patients (9%). Only one patient (3%) received an antiviral in the pre-Omicron period compared to 11 patients (50%) during the Omicron period (p < 0.01). COVID-19-associated mortality was almost double in the pre-Omicron period (16% vs. 9%, p = 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports patients with a high proportion of severe outcomes during the first 2 years of the pandemic. Outcomes improved during Omicron with better access to vaccines and antivirals and no in-hospital cases. Variables associated with worse outcomes were similar to other reports. Strengthening infection control measures in the hospital and better access to preventive strategies and therapeutic options are mandatory in these high-risk patients.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cord blood banking and transplantation

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells that has been used for transplantation for over 30 years, especially when there is no compatible hematopoietic stem cell donor available. Its use has decreased more recently, since the development of methods to improve haploidentical transplants has allowed the use of mobilized peripheral blood as a source of hematopoietic stem cells. Public cord blood banks collect, process and store cord blood samples from voluntary donations. In addition, many public banks are involved in research to enhance hematopoietic stem cell therapies and develop new treatments for haematological and genetic diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2019, has had a profound and wide-ranging impact on human health and treatment. The area of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was deeply affected by reductions in bone marrow, peripheral blood and cord blood donations; logistical challenges; exposure of healthcare workers and other challenges. The present study reviews the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cord blood banking and transportation around the world with a special focus on Brazil.

COVID-19 was associated with the complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

We aimed to identify the severity and duration of COVID-19 infection on complications after allo-HSCT. Enrolled 179 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were categorized into long-term infection (> 18 days, n = 90) or short-term infection group (≤ 18 days, n = 89) according to the median duration of COVID-19. The severity of COVID-19 was categorized as asymptomatic infection, mild, moderate, severe, and critical illness according to guidelines of National Institutes of Health. Particularly, severe illness and critical illness were classified as serious infection. Asymptomatic infection, mild illness and moderate illness were classified as non-serious infection. The 150-day probabilities of poor graft function (PGF), cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were significantly higher in long-term infection group. The 150-day probabilities of CMV pneumonia and NRM after COVID-19 were higher in serious infection group. The 150-day probabilities of overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in long-term and serious infection group. In multivariable analysis, the severity of COVID-19 was associated with NRM and OS, and the duration of COVID-19 was associated with PGF. In summary, our data reported that the severity and duration of COVID-19 were associated with several complications and contribute to poor outcomes after allo-HSCT.

COVID-19 impact in Crohn’s disease patients submitted to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease that has been blamed for inducing or exacerbating symptoms in patients with autoimmune diseases. Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects genetically susceptible patients who develop an abnormal mucosal immune response to the intestinal microbiota. Patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are considered at risk for COVID-19.

AIM

To describe for the first time the impact of COVID-19 in CD patients who had undergone autologous, non-myeloablative HSCT.

METHODS

In this descriptive study a series of 19 patients were diagnosed with positive COVID-19. For two patients there were reports of the occurrence of two infectious episodes. Parameters related to HSCT, such as time elapsed since the procedure, vaccination status, CD status before and after infection, and clinical manifestations resulting from COVID-19, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the patients with COVID-19, three, who underwent Auto HSCT less than six months ago, relapsed and one, in addition to the CD symptoms, started to present thyroid impairment with positive anti-TPO. Only one of the patients required hospitalization for five days to treat COVID-19 and remained in CD clinical remission. Nine patients reported late symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. There were no deaths, and a statistical evaluation of the series of COVID-19 patients compared to those who did not present any infectious episode did not identify significant differences regarding the analyzed parameters.

CONCLUSION

Despite the change in CD status in three patients and the presence of nine patients with late symptoms, we can conclude that there was no significant adverse impact concerning COVID-19 in the evaluated patients who underwent HSCT to treat CD.

COVID-19 surveillance in a bone marrow transplantation unit: experience from a Brazilian tertiary-care teaching hospital

PURPOSE

In this work, we aimed to describe the strategy of the weekly SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR surveillance program that was implemented in our bone marrow transplantation (BMT) unit.

METHODS

Our unit performed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR before admission and then weekly during hospitalization even if the patient was asymptomatic. From May 2021 to May 2022, we collected data from all patients that were admitted in the BMT unit to perform transplantation. The total of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR performed and the positive rate were described.

RESULTS

During the study period, 65 patients were admitted for HSCT. A total of 414 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR were performed. Two cases were detected (positivity rate, 0.48%). After the positive test, both patients were isolated outside the BMT unit.

CONCLUSION

We postulate that diagnosing these patients and isolating them outside the transplantation unit may have prevented secondary symptomatic cases.

COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a pilot study

Data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients at early stage of immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are limited. In the present study, we retrospectively investigated the incidence and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients who underwent HSCT in 2022. Patients (allo-HSCT, n = 80; auto-HSCT, n = 37) were consecutively included in the study. The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was 59.8%, and the median interval of HSCT to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was 4.8 (range: 0.5-12) months. Most patients were categorized as mild (41.4%) or moderate (38.6%), and 20% as severe/critical. No deaths were attributable to COVID-19. Further analysis showed that lower circulating CD8+ T-cell counts and calcineurin inhibitor administration increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Exposure to rituximab significantly increased the probability of severe or critical COVID-19 compared with that of mild/moderate illness (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, rituximab use was associated with severe COVID-19. Additionally, COVID-19 had no significant effect on immune reconstitution. Furthermore, it was found that Epstein-Barr virus infection and rituximab administration possibly increase the risk of developing severe illness. Our study provides preliminary insights into the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on immune reconstitution and the outcomes of allo-HSCT recipients.

Clinical outcomes and frequency of persistent infection among immunosuppressed patients treated with bebtelovimab for COVID-19 infection at an ambulatory cancer center

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on clinical outcomes associated with the use of bebtelovimab for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among cancer patients. We aimed to define the clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients receiving bebtelovimab as part of the COVID-19 therapeutics program at our cancer center.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of immunosuppressed adult patients who received bebtelovimab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center between March 2022, and November 2022. We reviewed medical records to capture the date of the first positive COVID-19 test, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and follow-up COVID-19 testing for 60 days after the first positive. Persistent infection was defined as a positive test beyond day 30; these patients were reviewed beyond day 60.

RESULTS

Among 93 patients who received bebtelovimab, 64 (69%) had hematologic malignancy. Sixty-nine (74%) patients received bebtelovimab within 2 days after diagnosis. Two (2%) patients were hospitalized, none required ICU care, and one patient died on day 52; although it is unknown if death was directly related to COVID-19. Ten (11%) patients had persistent COVID-19 infection; of these, four received additional COVID-19 therapy with either nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir, and five out of six patients with sequencing data available had spike protein mutations associated with bebtelovimab resistance.

CONCLUSION

A coordinated systems-based approach led to prompt initiation of bebtelovimab within two days of testing positive in most patients. We observed few hospitalizations or deaths. Persistent infection was noted in 11% of patients with four requiring additional therapies, highlighting a need for novel strategies to manage immunosuppressed patients.

COVID-19 and primary wound healing: A new insights and advance

With the outbreak and pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a huge number of people died of it. Apart from lung injuries, multiple organs have been confirmed to be impaired. In COVID-19 time, primary wound healing processes always prolong, however, its possible underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, to overcome this clinical problem, clarifying its underlying mechanisms clearly is necessary and urgently needed. In this review, we summarized that COVID-19 can prolong primary wound healing by inducing excessive inflammation and oxidative stress, disturbing immune system and haematological system, as well as influencing the functions and viability of epidermal stem cells (ESCs). Otherwise, we summarized that the strict control measures of blocking up COVID-19 pandemic can also have side effects on primary wound healing process.

Lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic: outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in hematopoietic cell transplant and cell therapy recipients

We investigated the outcomes after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) or chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CART) therapy recipients in a single-centre study including all (n = 261)HCT/CART recipients (allogeneic-HCT 49%, autologous-HCT 40%, CART 11%). The median age was 60 (22-80) years. COVID severity was mild (74%), moderate (11%), and severe/critical (16%) with a mortality rate of 7% and a median duration of infection of 5.7 weeks. Significant predictors of COVID severe disease or mortality included concurrent infection (HR 14.9, 95% CI 2.2-5.6) and immunosuppressive therapy (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.2-3.4).HCT/CART recipients have a higher risk of mortality with COVID and warrant vigilant interventions.

Impact of a third dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: A Japanese multicenter observational study

This prospective observational study aimed to assess the serological response and safety after the third booster shot of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in 292 hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. In our patients, mild systemic reactions were present in 10-40% and GVHD aggravation in 1.1%. Overall, clinically relevant response (>250 U/mL) was observed in 93.1% of allogeneic (allo)-HCT recipients and 70.6% of autologous (auto)-HCT recipients, respectively. Of note, detectable antibody response with any titer following the first two doses was a powerful predictor for adequate response after booster shot in both cohorts. For such patients, 98.8% of allo- and 92.3% of auto-HCT recipients obtained clinically relevant response after dose 3. In addition, continued systemic steroid and/or calcineurin inhibitors at the booster shot significantly correlated with serological response. These findings highlighted that booster vaccination efficiently improved serological response without safety concerns and thus recommended for the majority of HCT recipients.

Respiratory virus infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Current understanding, knowledge gaps, and recent advances

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, common community-acquired seasonal respiratory viruses (CARVs) were a significant threat to the health and well-being of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients, often resulting in severe illness and even death. The pandemic has further highlighted the significant risk that immunosuppressed patients, including allo-HCT recipients, face when infected with SARS-CoV-2. As preventive transmission measures are relaxed and CARVs circulate again among the community, including in allo-HSCT recipients, it is crucial to understand the current state of knowledge, gaps, and recent advances regarding CARV infection in allo-HCT recipients. Urgent research is needed to identify seasonal respiratory viruses as potential drivers for future pandemics.

Impact of Memory T Cells on SARS-COV-2 Vaccine Response in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients faced an elevated mortality rate from SARS-CoV-2 infection, ranging between 10-40%. The SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines are important tools in preventing severe disease, yet their efficacy in the post-transplant setting remains unclear, especially in patients subjected to myeloablative chemotherapy and immunosuppression. We evaluated the humoral and adaptive immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination series in 42 HSCT recipients and 5 healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear nuclear cells and serum were prospectively collected before and after each dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Post-vaccination responses were assessed by measuring anti-spike IgG and nucleocapsid titers, and antigen specific T cell activity, before and after vaccination. In order to examine mechanisms behind a lack of response, pre-and post-vaccine samples were selected based on humoral and cellular responses for single-cell RNA sequencing with TCR and BCR sequencing. Our observations revealed that while all participants eventually mounted a humoral response, transplant recipients had defects in memory T cell populations that were associated with an absence of T cell response, some of which could be detected pre-vaccination.

Impact of a booster dose on SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccine-specific humoral-, B- and T cell immunity in pediatric stem cell transplant recipients

Stem cell transplant recipients (SCTR) are imperiled to increased risks after SARS-CoV2 infection, supporting the need for effective vaccination strategies for this vulnerable group. With respect to pediatric patients, data on immunogenicity of SARS-CoV2 mRNA-based vaccination is limited. We therefore comprehensively examined specific humoral, B- and T cell responses in a cohort of 2-19 year old SCTR after the second and third vaccine dose. Only after booster vaccination, transplant recipients reached similar levels of vaccine-specific IgG, IgA and neutralizing antibodies against omicron variant as age-matched controls. Although frequencies of SARS-CoV2 specific B cells increased after the third dose, they were still fourfold reduced in patients compared to controls. Overall, the majority of individuals enrolled mounted SARS-CoV2 Spike protein-specific CD4+ T helper cell responses with patients showing significantly higher portions than controls after the third dose. With respect to functionality, however, SCTR were characterized by reduced frequencies of specific interferon gamma producing CD4+ T cells, along with an increase in IL-2 producers. In summary, our data identify distinct quantitative and qualitative impairments within the SARS-CoV2 vaccination specific B- and CD4+ T cell compartments. More importantly, humoral analyses highlight the need for a booster vaccination of SCTR particularly for development of neutralizing antibodies.

Attenuated immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and risk factors in stem cell transplant recipients: a meta-analysis

Immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination is diminished in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. To summarize current evidence and identify risk factors for attenuated responses, 5 electronic databases were searched since database inceptions through 12 January 2023 for studies reporting humoral and/or cellular immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in the HSCT population. Using descriptive statistics and random-effects models, extracted numbers of responders and pooled odds ratios (pORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors of negative immune responses were analyzed (PROSPERO: CRD42021277109). From 61 studies with 5906 HSCT recipients, after 1, 2, and 3 doses of messenger RNA (mRNA) SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the mean antispike antibody seropositivity rates (95% CI) were 38% (19-62), 81% (77-84), and 80% (75-84); neutralizing antibody seropositivity rates were 52% (40-64), 71% (54-83), and 78% (61-89); and cellular immune response rates were 52% (39-64), 66% (51-79), and 72% (52-86). After 2 vaccine doses, risk factors (pOR; 95% CI) associated with antispike seronegativity were male recipients (0.63; 0.49-0.83), recent rituximab exposure (0.09; 0.03-0.21), haploidentical allografts (0.46; 0.22-0.95), <24 months from HSCT (0.25; 0.07-0.89), lymphopenia (0.18; 0.13-0.24), hypogammaglobulinemia (0.23; 0.10-0.55), concomitant chemotherapy (0.48; 0.29-0.78) and immunosuppression (0.18; 0.13-0.25). Complete remission of underlying hematologic malignancy (2.55; 1.05-6.17) and myeloablative conditioning (1.72; 1.30-2.28) compared with reduced-intensity conditioning were associated with antispike seropositivity. Ongoing immunosuppression (0.31; 0.10-0.99) was associated with poor cellular immunogenicity. In conclusion, attenuated humoral and cellular immune responses to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are associated with several risk factors among HSCT recipients. Optimizing individualized vaccination and developing alternative COVID-19 prevention strategies are warranted.

Quality of life and financial toxicity of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate and correlate the quality of life and financial toxicity of adult patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

observational, analytical study, carried out with 35 patients in a reference hospital for transplantation in Latin America. For data collection, the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy Bone Marrow Transplantation and COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity questionnaires were used. Spearman and Mann-Whitney correlation tests were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

general quality of life during COVID-19 had a low score (67.09/108) with greater impairment in functional well-being (14.47/28), social well-being (16.76/28) and additional concerns (23.41/40). The means of the allogeneic group were lower than those of the autologous group in all domains, showing a significant difference in relation to additional concerns (p=0.01) and in the treatment evaluation index (p=0.04). Financial toxicity was considered to have a slight impact (22.11/44). There was a relationship, albeit not significant, between quality of life and financial toxicity (p=0.051).

CONCLUSION

the quality of life of the sample was low; there is a correlation between quality of life and financial toxicity, although not significant. The higher the financial toxicity, the lower the quality of life.

Risk of COVID-19 infection in long-term survivors of blood or marrow transplantation: a BMTSS report

There is limited information regarding COVID-19 in long-term blood or marrow transplant (BMT) survivors. We leveraged the BMT Survivor Study (BMTSS) to address this gap. BMTSS included patients who underwent BMT at 1 of 3 sites in the United States between 1974 and 2014 and survived ≥2 years after BMT. A sibling cohort serves as a non-BMT comparison group. Participants (2430 BMT survivors; 780 non-BMT participants) completed the BMTSS survey between October 2020 and November 2021 about COVID-19 testing, risk mitigation behaviors, morbidity, and health care use. Median age at BMT was 46 years (range, 0-78 years) and median follow-up since BMT was 14 years (6-46 years); 76% were non-Hispanic White, 54% had received allogeneic BMT. The risk of COVID-19 infection was comparable for BMT survivors vs non-BMT participants (15-month cumulative incidence, 6.5% vs 8.1%; adjusted odd ratio [aOR] = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-1.33; P = .68). Among survivors, being unemployed (aOR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12-3.23; P = .02; reference: retired) increased the odds of infection; always wearing a mask in public was protective (aOR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31-0.77; P = .002; reference: not always masking). When compared with COVID-positive non-BMT participants, COVID-positive BMT survivors had higher odds of hospitalization (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 0.99-5.05; P = .05); however, the odds of emergency department visits were comparable (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI = 0.71-3.58; P = .25). COVID-19 infection status did not increase the odds of hospitalization among BMT survivors (aOR = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.89-1.95; P = .17) but did increase the odds of emergency department visits (aOR = 2.63; 95% CI, 1.74-3.98; P <.0001). These findings inform health care providers about the management of care for long-term BMT survivors during the ongoing pandemic.

Functional SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells of donor origin in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients of a T-cell-replete infusion: A prospective observational study

In the current post-pandemic era, recipients of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) deserve special attention. In these vulnerable patients, vaccine effectiveness is reduced by post-transplant immune-suppressive therapy; consequently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) is often associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 adaptive immunity transfer from immune donors to HCT recipients in the context of immunosuppression will help identify optimal timing and vaccination strategies that can provide adequate protection to HCT recipients against infection with evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. We performed a prospective observational study (NCT04666025 at ClinicalTrials.gov) to longitudinally monitor the transfer of SARS-CoV-2-specific antiviral immunity from HCT donors, who were either vaccinated or had a history of COVID-19, to their recipients via T-cell replete graft. Levels, function, and quality of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses were longitudinally analyzed up to 6 months post-HCT in 14 matched unrelated donor/recipients and four haploidentical donor/recipient pairs. A markedly skewed donor-derived SARS-CoV-2 CD4 T-cell response was measurable in 15 (83%) recipients. It showed a polarized Th1 functional profile, with the prevalence of central memory phenotype subsets. SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ was detectable throughout the observation period, including early post-transplant (day +30). Functionally experienced SARS-CoV-2 Th1-type T cells promptly expanded in two recipients at the time of post-HCT vaccination and in two others who were infected and survived post-transplant COVID-19 infection. Our data suggest that donor-derived SARS-CoV-2 T-cell responses are functional in immunosuppressed recipients and may play a critical role in post-HCT vaccine response and protection from the fatal disease.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04666025.

Risk of Mortality in Bone Marrow Transplant Patients During SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Recipients of bone marrow transplant with COVID-19 are at high risk of mortality and morbidity from their underlying immunocompromised state. Graft-versus-host disease and other comorbidities lead to poor COVID-19 outcomes in these patients. Understanding the outcomes and clinical characteristics of bone marrow transplant recipients with COVID-19 is needed to devise potential life-saving therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies. Reviewing large data sets from different ethnic groups and regions can lead to better understanding. We conducted a systematic review ofreal-world data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies that reported the clinical outcomes of COVID- 19 in bone marrow transplant patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar), with a cut off date of May 31, 2022, to conduct our search. After screening 349 articles, we selected 33 original reports for screening. After screening these articles for eligibility criteria, we selected 12 studies for final data extraction. We extracted data per the preferred reporting items followed for systematic reviews. Quality evaluation was done with a Cochrane risk-of bias tool for nonrandomized studies (ROBINS-1).

RESULTS

Bone marrow transplant recipients with COVID-19 experienced poor disease outcomes and high mortality rates. Patient age, immunosuppressant intensity, and presence of graft-versus-host disease or other underlying comorbidities directly affected mortality rates of bone marrow transplant recipients with COVID-19. Other factors, like type of malignancy, type of transplant, and time between transplant and COVID-19 diagnosis, did not affect mortality or poor outcomes of COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone marrow transplant recipients have a higher risk of mortality and poor disease outcomes from COVID-19. Because curative therapies for COVID- 19 are not available, the only option available is its prevention. Transplant centers worldwide, as pertheir capacities, should develop and adhere to strict standard operating procedures based on international or national guidelines related to transplant recipients with COVID-19.

Changes in the medical-seeking pattern and daily behavior of hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients during the COVID-19 epidemic: An online survey in Hubei Province, China

Background

To curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, the Chinese government shut down Wuhan city from January 23rd to April 8th, 2020. The COVID-19 epidemic not only leads to widespread illness but also affects the diagnosis and treatment of hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Objective

To investigate the medical-seeking pattern and daily behavior changes in Hubei Province during the COVID-19 epidemic in Hubei Province during the lockdown.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, web-based investigation among 325 HSCT recipients by online questionnaires in Hubei Province during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Results

A total of 145 complete responses were collected both before and during the epidemic questionnaires. The participants from pre-epidemic group preferred to go to hospital (68.29%) when they experienced influenza-like symptoms. The majority of the patients elected to take oral drugs by themselves (40%) or consulted their attending physicians online or by telephone during the lockdown (23.33%). 64.83% had difficulties in purchasing drugs during the lockdown, which was significantly higher than the proportion of the pre-epidemic group (24.83%) (P < 0.05). The participants preferred to purchase drugs online (23.40%) and decrease or withdraw drugs (18.09%) during the epidemic. The number of participants received regular re-examinations during the epidemic decreased sharply. The proportion of wearing masks and isolating themselves at home increased significantly during the epidemic. No statistic difference was observed in the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)complications in participants between the during the epidemic group and the pre-epidemic group. In our study, six patients were confirmed to have COVID-19, and half of them died due to COVID-19-related complications.

Conclusion

The medical-seeking pattern and daily behavior of HSCT recipients changed during the lockdown; the methods of self-protection, online consultation and drug delivery can help patients receive necessary follow-up and reduce the occurrence of COVID-19.

COVID-19 and HSCT (Hematopoietic stem cell transplant)

HSCT recipients are at increased risk for COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality. Early treatment of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is an important means to decreasing risk for severe disease and death. While some HSCT recipients, particularly those who are early post-transplant and severely immunosuppressed, may have diminished response to COVID-19 vaccines, the benefits of vaccination are uncontested. Public health, healthcare facility and individual level approaches are all necessary to mitigate risk for infection in this vulnerable population.

Predictors of Covid-19 Vaccination Response After In-Vivo T-Cell-Depleted Stem Cell Transplantation

Covid-19 vaccination is recommended in allogeneic transplant recipients, but many questions remain regarding its efficacy. Here we studied serologic responses in 145 patients who had undergone allogeneic transplantation using in vivo T-cell depletion. Median age was 57 (range 21-79) at transplantation and 61 (range 24-80) at vaccination. Sixty-nine percent were Caucasian. One third each received transplants from HLA-identical related (MRD), adult unrelated (MUD), or haploidentical-cord blood donors. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis involved in-vivo T-cell depletion using alemtuzumab for MRD or MUD transplants and anti-thymocyte globulin for haplo-cord transplants. Patients were vaccinated between January 2021 and January 2022, an average of 31 months (range 3-111 months) after transplantation. Sixty-one percent received the BNT162b2 (bioNtech/Pfizer) vaccine, 34% received mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and 5% received JNJ-78436735 (Johnson & Johnson). After the initial vaccinations (2 doses for BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, 1 dose for JNJ-7843673), 124 of the 145 (85%) patients had a detectable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) antibody, and 21 (15%) did not respond. Ninety-nine (68%) had high-level responses (≥100 binding antibody units [BAU]/mL)m and 25 (17%) had a low-level response (<100 BAU/mL). In multivariable analysis, lymphocyte count less than 1 × 109/ mL, having chronic GVHD, and being vaccinated in the first year after transplantation emerged as independent predictors for poor response. Neither donor source nor prior exposure to rituximab was predictive of antibody response. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination induced generally high response rates in recipients of allogeneic transplants including recipients of umbilical cord blood transplants and after in-vivo T cell depletion. Responses are less robust in those vaccinated in the first year after transplantation, those with low lymphocyte counts, and those with chronic GVHD.

Monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment of respiratory viral infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) administration represents an important strategy for preventing and treating respiratory viral infections in vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised individuals. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of mAbs in clinical use against respiratory viruses, highlight factors that modulate mAb clinical efficacy, and provide a perspective on future innovations in the field. This review focuses on publications from the last year.

RECENT FINDINGS

Historically, clinical development of a single mAb has taken over a decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that this timeframe can be reduced to less than a year and has catalyzed rapid innovations in the field. Several novel mAbs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have received emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the early treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. However, the majority of these mAbs have ultimately failed due to the emergence of variants, highlighting an important lesson about predicting and countering resistance. Novel mAbs are also in clinical use or in late-stage development for the prevention of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vulnerable populations. Several factors can be modulated to improve the clinical efficacy of mAbs. For example, Fc modifications can extend mAb half-life and increase respiratory tract bioavailability, both of which are attractive properties for achieving protection against respiratory viruses.

SUMMARY

The mAb landscape is rapidly evolving with numerous examples of success and failure. The armamentarium of clinically-available mAbs to protect vulnerable populations is expected to undergo continued growth.

Case report: Successful outcome of COVID-19 in the context of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: The impact of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and early remdesivir

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a major issue. None of the published papers have reported data on the outcome of HSCT patients with COVID-19 according to the vaccination status and the short course of remdesivir (RDV). Therefore, we present the case of a 22-year-old man with relapsed testicular non-seminomatous germ-cell tumor who was diagnosed with COVID-19 during his first auto-HSCT. Our case report is the first one describing the efficacy of early RDV (and its anti-inflammatory effects that might counterbalance the negative effect of the recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factors -rhG-CSF-) in the context of severe neutropenia following HSCT with the concomitant onset of COVID-19.