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Management of immunosuppression in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

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Abstract

In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), infections exert a substantial influence on morbidity and mortality. Hypogammaglobulinemia is one important predisposing factor for development of infections. The use of purine analogs, such as fludarabine, and monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab and alemtuzumab, has introduced a new spectrum of infectious complications caused by pathogens such as Pneumocystis jiroveci, mycobacteria, listeria, and herpes viruses, as well as of fungal infections; these infections are mainly related to cellular immunosuppression induced by these agents. This short review focusses on risk factors, the causative spectrum of infectious complications, and possible preventive approaches in CLL patients, including antimicrobial, immunoglobulin prophylaxis, and vaccination strategies.

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The authors declare that there are no actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IIIrd Medical Department with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Oncologic Center, Laboratory of Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria

    Jutta Auberger MD &  Richard Greil MD

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  1. Jutta Auberger MD
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  2. Richard Greil MD
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Correspondence to Jutta Auberger MD.

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Auberger, J., Greil, R. Management of immunosuppression in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. memo 6, 37–40 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12254-013-0072-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12254-013-0072-1

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