Persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection with multiple clinical relapses in two patients with follicular lymphoma treated with bendamustine and obinutuzumab or rituximab

• Published in: Infection Vol. 51; no. 5; pp. 1577 - 1581
• Main Authors: Franceschini, Erica, Pellegrino, Mariachiara, Todisco, Vera, Dolci, Giovanni, Bettelli, Francesca, Meschiari, Marianna, Bedini, Andrea, Fregni-Serpini, Giulia, Grottola, Antonella, Guaraldi, Giovanni, Pecorari, Monica, Sarti, Mario, Luppi, Mario, Perno, Carlo Federico, Mussini, Cristina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.10.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Antibodies; Case Report; CD20 antigen; COVID-19; Family Medicine; General Practice; Immunotherapy; Infectious Diseases; Internal Medicine; Lymphoma; Malignancy; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Monoclonal antibodies; Rituximab; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Targeted cancer therapy; Vaccination; COVID-19; Anti-CD20; SARS-CoV-2; Bendamustine; Obinutuzumab; Rituximab; Immunosuppressed patient; Lymphoma
• ISSN: 0300-8126; 1439-0973
• DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02039-2

Purpose People with hematologic malignancies have a significantly higher risk of developing severe and protracted forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to immunocompetent patients, regardless of vaccination status. Results We describe two cases of prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection with multiple relapses of COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with follicular lymphoma treated with bendamustine and obinutuzumab or rituximab. The aim is to highlight the complexity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this fragile group of patients and the necessity of evidence-based strategies to treat them properly. Conclusions Patients with hematological malignancies treated with bendamustine and anti-CD20 antibodies had a significant risk of prolonged and relapsing course of COVID-19. Specific preventive and therapeutic strategies should be developed for this group of patients.