Viral Infections and Incidence of Reactivations in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients

Authors

Mahmood B. Aldapt, Rochester Regional HealthFollow
Abdulrahman F. Al-Mashdali, Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Khaldun Obeidat, Department of Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Prem Chandra, Medical Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
Mohamed Yassin, Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

Department

Internal Medicine

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Oncology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Viral infections remain a significant problem for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who undergo stem cell transplants (SCTs). These infections often result from the reactivation of latent viruses. However, our understanding of the risk of viral reactivation in CML patients who have not undergone SCT is limited, and there is a scarcity of data on this topic. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of CML as it is highly successful and has transformed the prognosis of patients with CML. However, TKI may be associated with an increased risk of infections.

SUMMARY: We have performed a literature search for publications related to viral infections and their reactivations in patients with CML using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for the period 2001-2022. The population consisted of patients over 18 years old with a diagnosis of CML and no history of bone marrow transplantation. In an analysis of 41 patients, with 25 males and 16 females, M:F ratio of 1.56:1, and a median age of 50. Age ranged from 22 to 79 years. Most patients with reported viral infections or reactivations were in the chronic phase (CP) of CML, with 22 patients (76%) in the CP, 6 patients (21%) in the accelerated phase, and 1 patient (3%) in the blast phase. Most cases with reported outcomes responded to treatment for CML; only one had refractory disease and 8 cases (32%) had major molecular response. Imatinib was the most used TKI in 31 patients (77%). The most reported viral reactivations were herpes zoster in 17 cases (41%), followed by hepatitis B reactivation in 15 cases (37%).

KEY MESSAGES: This review sheds light on the importance of having a hepatitis B serology checked before starting TKI therapy and close monitoring for viral infections and reactivations in patients with CML.

First Page

380

Last Page

388

DOI

10.1159/000534266

Volume

102

Issue

4

Publication Date

4-1-2024

Medical Subject Headings

Male; Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Adolescent; Incidence; Protein Kinase Inhibitors (adverse effects); Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive (drug therapy, epidemiology); Virus Diseases (epidemiology); Hepatitis B

PubMed ID

37848004

Recommended Citation

Aldapt, M. B., Al-Mashdali, A. F., Obeidat, K., Chandra, P., & Yassin, M. (2024). Viral Infections and Incidence of Reactivations in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients. Oncology, 102 (4), 380-388. https://doi.org/10.1159/000534266