Frequent varicella zoster reactivation associated with therapeutic use of arsenic trioxide: portents of an old scourge

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Nov;53(5):890-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.07.030.

Abstract

In 44 patients treated with arsenic trioxide (As2(O3)) for acute promyelocytic leukemia, 11 developed varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation (median 56 days [range 15-299]) after treatment. There was no preferential dermatome involvement or systemic spread. The actuarial risk of VZV reactivation at 1 year was 26%. No VZV reactivation occurred after the first year of initial treatment with As2(O3).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arsenic Trioxide
  • Arsenicals / adverse effects*
  • Chickenpox
  • Child
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster / chemically induced*
  • Herpes Zoster / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxides / adverse effects*
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Arsenicals
  • Oxides
  • Arsenic Trioxide