Blood Cancers Awareness: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) · About Leukemia · Lymphoma · Other Blood Cancers · Regional “Light The Night” Events · 12-Hour Helpline: 1-800-955-4572 · Donate
In these times of uncertainty, blood cancer patients and their families need our help more than ever. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is committed to working tirelessly toward our mission each and every day.
We encourage patients who have specific questions or concerns to speak directly with their doctors and care team. LLS Information Specialists — master’s level oncology professionals — provide free, personalized assistance to patients, families and healthcare providers one-on-one from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET toll-free at (800) 955-4572. Patients and caregivers can also visit LLS.org/support/information-specialists.
One of the life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19 is an extreme immune response that causes inflammation frequently resulting in permanent, often fatal damage to lungs and other vital organs. With studies showing between 30-60% of blood cancer patients at risk of death if infected with the COVID-19 virus compared to patients who are cancer-free, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced today it is launching the first clinical trial dedicated solely to this most vulnerable population.
This trial (LLS protocol number BAML-16-001-COV1) will test a drug called Acalabrutinib in patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and aplastic anemia, all of whom are often excluded from COVID-19 clinical trials based upon very low blood counts. Other blood cancer patients, such as those with lymphoma and myeloma, will be eligible as well. All of the patients will also have tested positive for COVID-19.
According to LLS President and CEO Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., “We are extremely proud to be able to respond quickly during this pandemic to help blood cancer patients, using the groundbreaking clinical trial infrastructure we built. We are grateful for our partnership with AstraZeneca, and our collaboration with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, to quickly adapt this Beat COVID trial. We are hopeful this collaboration will bring vital relief and improve outcomes for these at-risk patients.”