A comprehensive analysis of the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in hematologic malignancies post-COVID-19 outbreak in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: Hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow disorders, are complex cancers often associated with chromosomal abnormalities. The emergence of COVID-19 raised concerns about its potential to induce genomic instability, influencing the prevalence and cytogenetics of these malignancies.

Objectives: This study evaluates whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the incidence, demographics, or chromosomal abnormalities in hematologic malignancies at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand, between 2018 and 2024.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3,077 bone marrow samples processed for cytogenetic evaluation. Samples were categorized into pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) and post-COVID-19 (2020-2024) periods. Trends in disease incidence, patient demographics, and chromosomal abnormalities were analyzed statistically.

Results: The overall incidence rates of hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow disorders, remained stable throughout the study. Male-to-female ratios and average ages of onset showed no significant changes. Except for a transient rise in chromosomal abnormalities in chronic lymphocytic leukemia during 2023, no new or recurring abnormalities were identified. The mean age of onset for various malignancy categories remained consistent across the study period, and the pandemic did not significantly alter hematologic cancer trends.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic did not substantially affect the incidence, cytogenetics, or demographics of hematologic malignancies. These results provide reassurance about the resilience of diagnostic and monitoring systems during the pandemic. Further studies are recommended to explore potential long-term implications of COVID-19 on hematologic malignancies.