Which allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients have an increased risk for delayed-onset clinically significant cytomegalovirus infection after letermovir prophylaxis?

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is one of the most common complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Letermovir is approved for CMV prophylaxis among high-risk recipients. However, delayed-onset post-prophylaxis clinically significant CMV infection (csCMVi) has been observed, suggesting the potential for extending letermovir prophylaxis beyond the first one hundred days post-HSCT.

Methods: Retrospective multicenter cohort study of allogeneic HSCT patients from August 2018 to March 2023. The primary aim of this study was to identify the risk factors at day 100 associated with delayed onset csCMVi, in patients who received letermovir prophylaxis up to day 100. Competing risk analysis was used to evaluate incidence with specific risk factors, using Gray's Test comparing groups for each event.

Results: Among 166 eligible allogeneic HSCT recipients, the most common primary hematological diagnosis was acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (42.2%). Twenty-six (15.7%) developed a breakthrough csCMVi. Delayed-onset csCMVi occurred in 23.5%, at a median time of 133 days after SCT. On multivariate analysis, having a matched unrelated donor (odds ratio [OR] 2.46) and a CMV donor negative/recipient positive status (OR 3.47) were associated with delayed onset csCMVi. In contrast, AML had a lower odd of having delayed-onset csCMVi (OR 0.23).

Conclusions: Having a matched unrelated donor, a CMV donor negative/recipient positive status, and a non-AML underlying disease were associated with delayed onset csCMVi. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether extended letermovir prophylaxis is beneficial for these patients.