Incidence and Risk Factors for Developing Herpes Zoster Among a Cohort of Patients Diagnosed with Lymphoma at a Community Cancer Center

DiscussionOur study is one of the first to estimate incidence rates of HZ and examine risk factors and complications of HZ in lymphoma patients according to specific histologic subtype and presentation. The overall incidence among all groups was significantly higher than in the general population. We have documented that HZ incidence varies with treatment regimens and stage of disease at diagnosis as well as presentation of indolent vs aggressive. Lymphocytopenia was not described previously in the literature as a risk factor for developing HZ but in our cohort patients having ALC<1000 at diagnosis displayed a significantly higher incidence of HZ. The patients who received multiple courses of chemotherapy and HIC also exhibited significantly elevated risks for HZ. Because the overall incidence of HZ was higher among the patients with lymphoma during chemotherapy, prophylaxes against HZmight be considered, particularly for patients with the risk factors. However, optimal duration and preferred regimen for prophylaxis remain to be elucidated.DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Source: Blood - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: 904. Outcomes Research-Malignant Conditions: Poster II Source Type: research