CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) outlined today their guidelines and measures for combating the spread of COVID-19, while providing protection to transplant patients. The guidelines and measures include new practices for data collection, sharing of information, and administrative relief for facilities impacted by COVID-19 precautions.

The ASTCT and CIBMTR work hand-in-hand to collect and share data used to improve both quality of transplant care and survivability. Among the new measures to help combat COVID-19 is the introduction of the CIBMTR Respiratory Virus Post-Infusion Data Form (2149). This form collects detailed data regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of COVID-19 infections.

We urge all participating facilities to make the best effort to secure consent and enrollment of patients in our databases, said the CIBMTRs Chief Scientific Director and Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Mary Horowitz, MD, MS. The data we collect is invaluable in the fight against COVID-19 and in promoting patient health. Weve already used CIBMTR data to examine several issues related to COVID-19 that are important for patient care during the pandemic.

CIBMTR reporting does not require any patient contact beyond what is necessary for clinical care, and the consent form is usually administered by clinicians at the time the patient signs the general consent for treatment.

To help caregivers protect their patients, the ASTCT and CIBMTR are sharing data on COVID-19 and providing regularly updated guidelines addressing the management, treatment, and outcomes of patients. They are also sharing knowledge through informational webinars, online meetings, and other methods as circumstances allow. Through this research and education, the ASTCT and CIBMTR are informing patient care and management; including the biologic, economic, and logistical aspects of care.

The best and fastest way for us to fight COVID-19 is through innovative research and care delivery, said Pavan Reddy, MD, ASTCT President and Chief of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Michigan. Understanding the disease in transplant patients offers unique clinical and biological insights that can lead to greater understanding of the disease in the general population.

In addition to collecting data and sharing knowledge, the ASTCT and CIBMTR are easing administrative requirements to provide impacted clinics with additional flexibility. This includes postponing on-site data audits and the relaxation of deadlines for forms submission.

The ASTCT and CIBMTR are committed to addressing challenges facing transplant patients, and the COVID-19 pandemic was a considerable topic of discussion during the organizations combined annual event, Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings (TCT Meetings), held in February 2020. During the meetings, each organization transitioned leadership as they forged ahead in the fight against COVID-19. New leaders for each organization are as follows:

ASTCT:

CIBMTR:

About the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), with headquarters in Chicago, is a professional society of more than 2,200 healthcare professionals and scientists from over 45 countries who are dedicated to improving the application and success of blood and marrow transplantation and related cellular therapies. ASTCT strives to be the leading organization promoting research, education, and clinical practice to deliver the best, comprehensive patient care.

About the CIBMTR

The CIBMTR (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research) is a research collaboration between the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)/Be The Match in Minneapolis and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) in Milwaukee. The CIBMTR collaborates with the global scientific community to advance hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy worldwide to increase survival and to enrich quality of life for patients. The CIBMTR facilitates critical observational and interventional research through scientific and statistical expertise, a large network of transplant centers, and a unique and extensive clinical outcomes database.

For more information about the CIBMTR, please visit http://www.cibmtr.org, or follow the CIBMTR on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter at @CIBMTR.

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New Leaders at ASTCT and CIBMTR Provide Guidelines and Measures for Combating COVID-19 and Protecting Transplant Patients - Business Wire