Onkológia 1/2026
Options for preventing herpes zoster in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms treated with ruxolitinib
Herpes zoster is a viral disease resulting from reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus. It typically presents itself with a vesicular rash along one or more dermatomes, most commonly on the trunk, and may be accompanied by paresthesia, neuropathic pain, and postherpetic neuralgia. The occurrence increases with age and is higher in immunocompromised individuals. Treatment with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib is associated with an increased risk of herpes zoster reactivation. Oral antivirals are currently indicated for the prophylaxis of severe herpes zoster in immunocompromised patients. Clinical outcomes depend on early initiation of antiviral therapy. Vaccination is a key strategy for preventing severe disease and its complications. The recombinant zoster vaccine demonstrates high efficacy and is suitable for immunocompromised patients. Herpes zoster complications during ruxolitinib therapy in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms represent a significant clinical challenge. Vaccination can reduce both the incidence of herpes zoster and the risk of complications; however, effective implementation requires increased physician awareness.
Keywords: herpes zoster, vakcination, ruxolitinib
