Advances in the management of viral infections

Viral infections are common in cancer patients. The risk and severity of infection are influenced by patient, disease, treatment, and viral factors. Severe viral infections are more likely to occur in treatment regimens that are more immunosuppressive. Historically, the most frequent severe infections have been due to herpesviruses, but more recently, other pathogens, especially community respiratory and hepatitis viruses, have received increasing attention as major viral pathogens in cancer patients. Because of the new diagnostic assays and the introduction of better therapeutic options, knowledge of viral infections is important in optimizing antineoplastic therapies.