A propensity score matching study on clinical characteristics and risk factors of herpes zoster in malignant tumor
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By
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Yang Li
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Canhua Liang
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Ziwei Feng
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Shaohuan Lu
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GuangZhao Wang
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Guangyi Meng
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May 13, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of Clinical Features and Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster in Cancer Patients
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Herpes Zoster (HZ) |
| Key Mechanisms | Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) due to immune suppression in cancer patients. |
| Target Population | Cancer patients, particularly those with hematologic malignancies. |
| Care Setting | Oncology clinics and hospitals. |
Key Highlights
- 89.89% of HZ patients developed symptoms within 12 months after anticancer therapy.
- Hematologic cancers significantly increase the risk of HZ (OR = 2.41).
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors did not significantly raise HZ risk.
- Common complications of HZ include neuralgia and secondary infections.
- The study utilized propensity score matching to control for confounding factors.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of HZ should follow the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Herpes Zoster (2022 Edition).
Management
- Close monitoring for HZ in patients with hematologic cancers is recommended.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regular assessment for HZ symptoms in cancer patients, especially post-anticancer treatment.
Risks
- Patients with hematologic malignancies are at a higher risk for developing HZ.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Cancer patients diagnosed between 01/01/2020 and 30/09/2024.
The timing of anticancer treatment is closely associated with HZ onset.
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement preventive measures for HZ in high-risk cancer patients.
- Educate patients about the signs and symptoms of HZ.
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