Interventions for the prevention and treatment of herpes simplex virus in patients being treated for cancer

Abstract

PEARLS are succinct summaries of Cochrane Systematic Reviews for primary care practitioners. They Aciclovir effective in prevention and treatment of herpes simplex virus in patients being treated for cancer Clinical questionHow effective are interventions for the prevention and/or treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in patients receiving treatment for cancer?

Fungal and viral oral infections in individuals with onco-hematologic neoplasms in a University Hospital

“…However, in general, the antiviral prophylaxis used by the Service consists of the administration of Aciclovir, beginning concomitantly with chemotherapy treatment. These findings corroborated controlled clinical trial studies with the use of Aciclovir in patients with hematologic diseases, in whom a reduction of 80-90% in risk of infection by HSV was observed 12,18 . In relation to fungal infections it is known that in individuals with leukopenia due to myelosuppression, the main fungal infection were caused by Candida albicans, resulting not only from neutropenia, but also from the use of broad spectrum antibiotics and inadequate oral hygiene 19 .…”

“…In the oral mucosa, herpes simplex is the most common viral infection, characterized by the formation of vesicles that rupture and form painful ulcers in the oral cavity and oropharynx 11 . The use of systemic antiviral agents such as Aciclovir and Valaciclovir, is indicated for prophylaxis and treatment of these lesions 12 , in addition to complementary therapies, used for pain relief and reduction in the period of clinical manifestation, such as laser photobiomodulation 13 . The authors therefore suggest the inclusion of the Dental Surgeon (DS) in the multiprofessional team that cares for individuals with onco-hematologic neoplasms to prevent, diagnose and treat these manifestations, with a view to minimizing suffering and improve the quality of life during oncological treatment.…”

Prospective evaluation of HSV, Candida spp., and oral bacteria on the severity of oral mucositis in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

“…Prophylactic antiviral medication is commonly used in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. According to Glenny et al, there is some evidence that acyclovir may be beneficial in both prevention and treatment of HSV in both adults and children undergoing cancer treatment [33]. Children with ALL usually receive antiviral medications only when presenting with a clinical viral infection.…”

Audit to monitor the uptake of national mouth care guidelines for children and young people being treated for cancer

“…Therapies found to be effective in preventing complications, such as aciclovir to prevent herpes simplex virus infections [14] and antifungal agents that are fully or partially absorbed from the GI tract to prevent candidiasis [11], as well as other therapies used with the intention of preventing oral complications, were used primarily in patients considered to be at high risk from oral complications. Future research needs to take account of this distinction in clinical practice and further explore the extent to which patient-and cytotoxic-related factors contribute to increased risk of oral complications [9].…”