[jfk1046]

Antibiotic and antiviral drugs prior to stem cell harvest

by jfk1046 on Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:01 am

Dr Bensinger,
I am currently in induction therapy with Revlimid, dex and Velcade. I has a second consult with a local oncologist and he was very surprised that I was not on an anti-viral med due to the threat of shingles and a herepes virus. Is this advised prior to stem cell harvest? I'm told at my current progress that I should be ready for collection in the next 4-6 weeks for my auto and am currently planning on a follow up allo.

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Antibiotic and antiviral drugs prior to stem cell harvest

by Beacon Staff on Thu Apr 15, 2010 1:10 pm

Dr. William Bensinger from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center said:

"Bortezomib [Velcade] regimens are associated with a risk of herpes zoster (shingles) of 10-20%. As such, antiviral prophylaxis is recommended."