NYMC Faculty Publications

Infections in Patients on BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy: Cases and Review of the Literature

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.

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