Prophylaxis and treatment of infections in patients with solid tumours treated with targeted therapies
2015
Abstract
Targeted therapy is indicated for many types of solid malignancies, either in monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or radiotherapy. The incorporation of targeted drugs into clinical algorithms has improved the prognosis of many cancers but also increased the risk of some less common adverse effects.
Targeted therapy may increase haematological toxicity of chemotherapy and cause disruption of protective barriers or directly inhibit the function of immune cells. Routine prophylactic anti-infective therapy in patients treated with current targeted therapies for solid tumors is not recommended.
Some targeted drugs, however, may predispose to specific infectious complications.