학술논문

Use of Letermovir for CMV Prophylaxis after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Review of the Literature and Single-Center Real-Life Experience
Document Type
article
Source
Hemato, Vol 4, Iss 2, Pp 158-169 (2023)
Subject
allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
CMV
pre-emptive therapy
letermovir
Medicine
Language
English
ISSN
2673-6357
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) is mainly due to an increase of latent viremia in previously exposed patients. Furthermore, CMV reactivation in this setting has a significant impact on patient survival. Traditional approach to CMV reactivation post allo-HSCT was a pre-emptive treatment with antivirals in the case of increased viremia. However, since 2017, a new antiviral compound, letermovir, has been introduced in clinical practice and is deeply changing the common CMV approach. The toxicity profile of letermovir allowed its use in prophylaxes in patients at high risk of CMV reactivation. This review will focus on the present role of letermovir post allo-HSCT and discuss some possible future applications of the drug. Finally, our single center CMV management in view of the recent introduction of letermovir will be discussed.