NYMC Faculty Publications
Infections in Patients on BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy: Cases and Review of the Literature
DOI
10.1007/s15010-017-1105-1
Journal Title
Infection
First Page
409
Last Page
418
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2018
Department
Medicine
Abstract
The introduction of BCR-ABL-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for treatment of hematologic malignancies has made a significant impact on patient outcome. Contingent upon their targeted and off-target activity, therapy-associated infectious complications may occur. We present a case of cytomegalovirus pneumonitis and a case of adenovirus hemorrhagic cystitis in two patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia on BCR-ABL TKI treatment and review the literature to summarize the infectious complications based on clinical data. As life-threatening infections may occur, treating physicians should maintain a heightened awareness in patients treated with BCR-ABL TKIs. Based on the frequent reports of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation under the treatment BCR-ABL TKIs, screening for and prophylactic therapy of chronic HBV infection should be considered. Similarly, patients would benefit from screening for and treatment of latent tuberculosis.
Recommended Citation
Knoll, B. M., & Seiter, K. (2018). Infections in Patients on BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy: Cases and Review of the Literature. Infection, 46 (3), 409-418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-017-1105-1
