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Immunosuppression associated with novel chemotherapy agents and monoclonal antibodies

Vicki A Morrison1

  • 1Hematology, Oncology and Infectious Diseases, University of Minnesota/Minneapolis VAMC.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|October 30, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Novel cancer, autoimmune, and neurological therapies can weaken the immune system, increasing risks of opportunistic infections like viral, fungal, and reactivation of tuberculosis or hepatitis B.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Novel therapeutic agents have advanced oncologic, rheumatologic, and neurologic disorder treatments.
  • These advanced therapies modulate immune function, leading to specific infectious complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the impact of novel therapeutic agents on the pathogenesis and spectrum of associated infections.
  • To highlight the infectious risks associated with immunomodulatory treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of clinical data.
  • Analysis of infectious complications linked to specific novel agents.

Main Results:

  • Purine analogues and alemtuzumab are associated with opportunistic viral/fungal infections.
  • Bortezomib increases herpes zoster incidence; rituximab may cause hepatitis B reactivation.
  • Monoclonal antibodies and tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors are linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, tuberculosis reactivation, and fungal infections.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the immune-modulating effects of novel therapies is crucial for managing infectious risks.
  • Proactive monitoring and management are essential to mitigate infections in patients receiving these advanced treatments.
Keywords:
alemtuzumabbortezomibfludarabinehepatitis Btumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors

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