BK virus-induced severe hemorrhagic cystitis in non-transplant oncology patients: A case series

Abstract

Hemorrhagic cystitis is often a serious condition in cancer patients and can be life threatening despite aggressive treatment measures. The condition may be secondary to infections, radiation or chemotherapy. Oxazaphosphorine alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, are the most frequent causes of chemotherapy-induced HC in cancer patients. Only a few cases of BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis in non-transplant cancer patients have been reported worldwide. Here, we report two cases of BK-induced HC in non-transplant oncology patients; one patient died due to multi-system failure of unknown etiology, and the other patient was treated successfully with low-dose cidofovir.

Keywords

BK virus - hemorrhagic cystitis - non-transplant - low-dose cidofovir