A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF IMMUNOMODULATORY DRUGS IN PREVENTING SECONDARY INFECTIONS IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Immunocompromised patients face heightened risks of secondary infections due to weakened immune defenses, often exacerbated by immunomodulatory drugs (IMDs). While IMDs are essential for managing conditions like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and transplant care, their use necessitates careful infection prevention strategies.

Objective; This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the mechanisms, benefits, and risks of IMDs, explore their integration with prophylactic strategies, and highlight emerging approaches for infection prevention.

Methods: A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on the roles of IMDs, associated infection risks, vaccination strategies, and novel approaches like trained immunity.

Findings: The findings emphasize the importance of personalized infection prevention, including pre-treatment vaccinations, tailored chemoprophylaxis, and immune monitoring. Emerging therapies, such as Toll-like receptor agonists, show potential for enhancing innate immunity. Despite advancements, challenges persist in balancing efficacy with infection risks, particularly during long-term IMD use.

Conclusion: Immunomodulatory drugs represent a dual-edged sword, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to optimize benefits and mitigate infection risks. Future research should address knowledge gaps related to long-term effects, optimal prophylactic strategies, and innovative immunomodulatory applications.