Emergence of cytomegalovirus disease in patients receiving temozolomide: Report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Temozolomide chemotherapy has become part of the therapy used to treat glioblastoma multiforme and refractory anaplastic astrocytoma. Temozolomide frequently produces profound lymphopenia. We report 2 cases of cytomegalovirus disease that occurred in patients receiving temozolomide therapy and review 4 additional cases reported in the literature. Narrow monitoring with cytomegalovirus antigenemia assay should be considered for recommendation. © 2010 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.