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Infections in patients on BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: cases and review of the literature

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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA

    Bettina M. Knoll & K. Seiter

  2. Transplant Infectious Diseases, Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Road, BHC-A-Wing LL, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA

    Bettina M. Knoll

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  1. Bettina M. Knoll
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Correspondence to Bettina M. Knoll.

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Knoll, B.M., Seiter, K. Infections in patients on BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: cases and review of the literature. Infection 46, 409–418 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-017-1105-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-017-1105-1

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