Projects

Project Description

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) remain latent in sensory ganglia and can reactivate under immunosuppressive states such as cancer therapy. Radiotherapy-induced local immune suppression may increase the risk of herpes reactivation, leading to treatment interruptions and suboptimal outcomes. Evidence on the incidence and determinants of herpes reactivation among gynaecologic cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy remains limited.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at St. John’s Medical College Hospital, including women ≥18 years with histologically confirmed gynaecologic malignancies treated with definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy between January 2016 and October 2025. Demographic, clinical, treatment-related characteristics, and comorbidities were analyzed. The study aimed to determine the incidence of HSV/VZV reactivation during radiotherapy, evaluate associated risk factors.