Valganciclovir to prevent or treat cytomegalovirus disease in organ transplantation

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is generally considered the most significant pathogen to infect patients following organ transplantation. Significant improvements have been achieved in the management of CMV disease over recent years, especially since the introduction of oral drugs such as oral ganciclovir followed by valganciclovir (VGC), a prodrug of ganciclovir with enhanced bioavailability. Several randomized controlled trials have shown that VGC is an efficacious and convenient oral drug to prevent or treat CMV disease in solid-organ transplant recipients. In this article, we discuss the clinical and pharmacological experience with the use of VGC for the management of CMV in solid-organ transplant recipients. Finally, novel strategies to further reduce the incidence of CMV disease after transplantation are also reviewed.

Keywords::

• antiviral prophylaxis
• cell-mediated immunity
• indirect effects
• low-dose valganciclovir
• pre-emptive approach

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have received unrestricted grants for research from Roche. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.