Editorial: Covid-19 therapies in patients with hematologic malignancies

Editorial on the Research Topic Covid-19 therapies in patients with hematologic malignanciesThe pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (CODIV-19), has significantly impacted global health since its emergence in late 2019.While the virus primarily targets the respiratory system, its effects extend beyond the lungs, affecting various organs and systems in the body finally causing post-COVID condition, also known as long-COVID (1).Individuals with underlying health conditions, including hematological malignancies, faced unique challenges when confronting COVID-19.Patients with hematological malignancies, in particular with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma, often have compromised immune systems due to the nature of the diseases themselves or the treatments they undergo, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies or stem cell transplantation.One of the key concerns for patients with hematological malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic is the increased vulnerability to severe illness.The weakened immune response can make it difficult for these patients to fight the infection, including the respiratory complications associated with COVID-19, resulting in high rate of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission and death (1-3).Several studies also suggest that COVID-19 can exacerbate the complications of hematological malignancies, leading to disruptions in treatment schedules and heightened concerns about disease management.Furthermore, the long-term effects of the virus on the immune system of individuals with these malignancies remain a subject of ongoing research.In this regard, healthcare providers had to adopt stringent measures to protect these individuals, emphasizing preventive strategies and closely monitoring their health.As a result, vaccination campaigns targeting this vulnerable population have been crucial in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infections and preventing complications (1,2, Palumbo et al, Mohamed et al,4, Autore et al).Ongoing studies aim to elucidate the specific risks and outcomes associated with COVID-19 in this patient population, as well as the effectiveness of active and passive therapies in conferring protection (Angotzi et al, Hijano et al,5).The integration of data from diverse sources, including clinical trials and real-world evidence, is essential for informing evidence-based guidelines that can guide clinicians in managing hematological malignancies during the ongoing pandemic.