Managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can be challenging, even under normal circumstances. But in this unprecedented era of COVID-19, the challenges have multiplied. The patient resources below—brought to you by our partner, The Patient Empowerment Network—feature oncology leaders addressing the questions patients most frequently ask since the pandemic began.
- How Does COVID Impact CLL Patients? Phillip Thompson, MD, an assistant professor of medicine in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains how COVID specifically affects CLL patients and the importance of not delaying CLL treatment.
- CLL & COVID-19: What Do Patients Need to Know? Steven Coutre, MD, a professor of medicine in the Hematology Department at Stanford University Medical Center, provides guidance for patients during the current global pandemic.
- What Key Questions Should CLL Patients Ask About Digital Tools Born Out of COVID? Kathy Kim, MD, from UC Davis School of Medicine, offers advice to patients on what questions to ask clinicians and explains the usability of some digital technologies.
- How Can CLL Patients Avoid Pandemic Challenges Without Compromising Quality of Care? Kathy Kim, MD, from UC Davis School of Medicine, shares her recommendations about how providers can best ensure patients receive quality care even during high-risk times.
- Is the COVID Vaccine Effective for CLL Patients? Paul Barr, MD, professor of hematology/oncology at University of Rochester Medical Center, shares his insights about mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in patients both in remission and in active treatment.
- NCCN Guidance on Safety and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines for Cancer Patients Erin Roesch, MD, a breast medical oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic, shares vaccine recommendations from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for those undergoing cancer treatment, incorporating guidance on mask wearing and advice for family members.
- What Should CLL Patients Know About COVID-19 Vaccines? Matthew Davids, MD, director of clinical research in the Division of Lymphoma at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, shares information about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Is the COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for CLL Patients in Treatment? Lindsey Roeker, MD, a hematologic oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses COVID-19 vaccine safety, common symptoms, and effectiveness for patients with CLL.
Office Appointments/Telemedicine
- How Can CLL Patients Take Advantage of Telemedicine? At the dawn of the global pandemic, many providers expanded their telemedicine options so patients can avoid in-person visits. Steven Coutre, MD, a professor of medicine in the Hematology Department at Stanford University Medical Center, explains how this approach can benefit people with CLL.
- CLL TelemEDucation Empowerment Resource Center This one-of-a-kind resource center educates the CLL community on the practical usage of telemedicine tools to humanize patient and provider experiences.
- Office Visit Planners for CLL Patients and Care Partners Appointments with your physician can be overwhelming. To optimize them, arrive organized and prepared to take notes. This downloadable office visit planner can help guide patients and their caregivers from their first office visit to their follow-up appointments.
- Ask the Expert The Ask the Expert program is a live-streamed webinar series in which world-renowned cancer experts go online to answer a variety of questions from patients and their care partners.
- CLL 101 This free, virtual, online patient course can help anyone struggling with a recent diagnosis of CLL become empowered through knowledge and support.
- Could a Clinical Trial Be Your Best Treatment Option? Matthew Davids, MD, associate director of the CLL Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains the clinical trial process and what’s involved in patient participation.
- CLL Clinical Trials Explained What are the phases of clinical trials in CLL research, and what happens during each phase? Anthony Mato, MD, director of the CLL Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explains these phases and the criteria for trial selection.
- Should You Discuss a CLL Clinical Trial with Your Doctor? Susan O’Brien, MD, a hematology-oncology specialist at Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains why patients with CLL should consider a clinical trial and the role trials play in treatment and care.
- Patient-to-Patient Diverse Clinical Trial Profiles Program The goal of this program is to bridge the gap between patients who have participated in clinical trials and patients who are interested in learning more about them.
- You’re Not a Guinea Pig: Understanding Clinical Trial Participation Brian Hill, MD, director of the Lymphoid Malignancies Program at Cleveland Clinic, explains the clinical trial process and addresses common patient fears and misconceptions.
- Clinical Trial Mythbusters Program This program, run by patients for patients and their families and caregivers, is a live online series that gives patients the chance to actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and get answers from a panel of experts.
