Leflunomide therapy for refractory cytomegalovirus infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
J Oncol Pharm Pract
; 25(7): 1731-1737, 2019 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30170516
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Currently, there are no prospective, randomized trials analyzing leflunomide for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection or disease in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients.OBJECTIVE:
The primary objective of this case series was to determine the clinical and virological responses of utilizing leflunomide as therapy for refractory cytomegalovirus infections, unresponsive to first-line therapy in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients. Additionally, patient and leflunomide specific characteristics were identified and determined in this descriptive case series.METHODS:
This is a single-center, case series of adult allogeneic stem cell transplant patients with refractory cytomegalovirus infections receiving leflunomide between 1 January 2005 and 31 March 2015.RESULTS:
A total of 14 patients with refractory cytomegalovirus infections received leflunomide. All patients received concurrent anti-cytomegalovirus therapy. Nine of 13 patients tested positive for phosphotransferase UL97 and/or viral DNA polymerase UL54 genotype mutations. Nine patients achieved a virological response with undetectable cytomegalovirus titers. Of the 13 patients with teriflunomide serum levels, eight patients maintained levels >40 micrograms/milliliter (mcg/mL). Common adverse effects were pancytopenia (n = 8) and elevated liver function tests (n = 4).CONCLUSIONS:
Despite current strategies, refractory or recurrent cytomegalovirus infection and disease remain a clinical challenge to treat in the stem cell transplant patient population. Leflunomide used in combination with other concomitant therapies use for refractory cytomegalovirus infection in clinical practice may be a safe and effective option in the allogeneic stem cell transplant patient population.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article