Antiviral Agents in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Population: Foscarnet

Over the past three decades, the antiviral agent foscarnet has been used in the prevention and treatment of several viruses, including herpes simplex infections, varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and human herpesvirus 6. Foscarnet is an essential tool against viral infections owing to its strong activity against drug-resistant organisms; however, its administration can be difficult and requires close monitoring for electrolyte abnormalities and renal toxicity. What follows is a description of its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and side effects, as well as a review of the clinical data supporting its use in the hematopoietic cell transplant population.