Episode 67. Management of CMV in Hematologic Malignancies

Episode 67. Management of CMV in Hematologic Malignancies

From Blood Cancer Talks by Rajshekhar Chakraborty, Ashwin Kishtagari, and Edward Cliff

November 23, 2025 · 40 min · Episode 68

About this episode

The episode discusses cytomegalovirus management in immunocompromised hematology patients with expert guests.

Join hosts Eddie, Ashwin, and Raj as they welcome Dr. Michelle Yong and Dr. Gemma Reynolds, academic infectious diseases physicians from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer, for an in-depth discussion on cytomegalovirus (CMV) management in immunocompromised hematology patients. Key Topics Covered Fundamentals of CMV Management Distinguishing CMV reactivation from CMV disease Treatment thresholds and target viral loads Prophylaxis strategies in non-allograft settings Valaciclovir dosing in general hematology populations High-risk patient populations First-Line Therapies Valganciclovir: advantages, disadvantages, and myelosuppression Foscarnet: indications and monitoring strategies Treatment-resistant CMV Allogeneic Transplant Patients High-risk populations and timing of reactivation Monitoring protocols post-transplant Randomized Controlled Trials AURORA Trial: Maribavir vs. Valganciclovir Design: RCT comparing maribavir to valganciclovir for pre-emptive CMV therapy post-allogeneic transplant [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38036487/] NEJM Letermovir Prophylaxis Trial Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of letermovir…

People in this episode

Hosts: Eddie, Ashwin, Raj

Guests: Dr. Michelle Yong, Dr. Gemma Reynolds

Topics covered

  • CMV management
  • hematologic malignancies
  • immunocompromised patients
  • treatment strategies
  • prophylaxis
  • clinical trials

Keywords

  • cytomegalovirus
  • CMV reactivation
  • valaciclovir
  • valganciclovir
  • allogeneic transplant
  • CAR T-cell therapy
  • prophylaxis strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, National Centre for Infections in Cancer

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