Top stories in hematology/oncology: COVID-19 strains US blood supply, infection risk higher in those with cancer
The top story in hematology/oncology last week was about an emergency call from the American Red Cross as well as health care centers across the country for blood donors due to a shortage caused by complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another top story was about the risk for COVID-19 among patients with cancer, which appears to be higher compared with the general population, according to data from a tertiary care hospital in Wuhan, China.
Read these and more of the week’s top stories in hematology/oncology below:
‘Big strain’ on blood supply amid COVID-19 pandemic could force difficult decisions
The American Red Cross, as well as cancer centers and hospitals across the country, have issued an emergency call for blood donors because of a shortage brought on by various medical and societal complications related to COVID-19. Read more.
Risk for COVID-19 may be higher among those with cancer, Wuhan data suggest
Risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2 — the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 — appeared more than twice as high among individuals with cancer than the general population, according to an analysis of data from a tertiary care hospital in Wuhan, China. Read more.
‘Clarity with kindness’ key to easing COVID-19 anxiety among those with cancer
The global COVID-19 pandemic has evoked fear and anxiety among people of all ages and health statuses. Read more.
Liver cancer rates rise in developed countries, elderly populations
Primary liver cancer rates continue to increase in many regions of the world despite extensive efforts to prevent the disease, according to study results published in Cancer. Read more.
ASCO cancels in-person meeting; scientific program to be offered in virtual format
ASCO Annual Meeting will not be held as planned this spring due to public health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.