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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Stephen Proctor
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In patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation, the pattern of herpesvirus infections over the last 5 years has been changing due to the increasing routine use of antiviral agents. Prophylaxis with aciclovir or ganciclovir is now generally undertaken and the absolute incidence and severity of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has decreased. Concurrently, more sensitive methods for assessing early reactivation of CMV have entered the clinical arena and allow the more logical use of therapeutic doses of appropriate antivirals. Apart from CMV, herpesvirus infections in general are not a major problem during marrow transplantation, although the role of both CMV and human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) in relation to graft-versus-host disease remains an area of biological interest. In haematological oncology, lymphoma patients form the largest sub-group and the incidence of herpes tester in this population is believed to be of the order of 15-25%. As the risk of herpes tester is known, a system of patient education and self-diagnosis has been introduced at the Newcastle Lymphoma Clinic. This system has demonstrated that it is possible for patients to be encouraged to present for appropriate treatment within the first 24 h of symptoms. The critical issue for this approach to work most effectively is the reinforcement of information to both patient and general practitioner. The availability of oral antivirals with improved absorption may facilitate this process, but assessment in randomized trials is necessary.
Author(s): Proctor SJ, Appleton AL, Taylor CE
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Meeting on Molecules, Mechanisms and Management
Year of Conference: 1995
Pages: 45-50
Publisher: Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy: International Medical Press
Library holdings: Search Newcastle University Library for this item
ISBN:
