Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis in patients with glioma receiving concurrent chemoradiation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Routine antibiotic prophylaxis against pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is recommended during concurrent temozolomide and radiotherapy (TMZ-RT) for glioma based on early small studies. However, true PJP risk may be far lower, raising questions about the value and harms of universal prophylaxis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021292396) of studies reporting PJP incidence among glioma patients treated with TMZ-RT. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to May 1, 2025. Outcomes included overall PJP incidence and rates stratified by prophylaxis, corticosteroid exposure, and lymphopenia.

Findings

Of 3791 records, 35 studies (13,637 patients, 12,301 received TMZ-R

SUBMITTER: Jia JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803824 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature