Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral prophylaxis and vaccination strategies in adult patients with acute myeloid and promyelocytic leukemia: An expert panel consensus from the GIMEMA group

Infections are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and treatment delays in AML and APL. While international guidelines emphasize intensive chemotherapy, they often overlook less intensive regimens, rely on outdated data, and ignore rising MDR infections. A GIMEMA survey across Italian centers revealed significant heterogeneity in antimicrobial prophylaxis, and vaccination practices. An expert panel reviewed 2012–2025 English literature with focus on infections via Delphi/nominal group methods, achieving ≥70% consensus. Prophylaxis with fluoroquinolones showed low agreement (28%) for intensive chemotherapy and venetoclax-based regimens due to no survival benefit, MDR pressure and microbiota disruption; not recommended for low-intensity/ palliative care. Posaconazole is advised for intensive chemotherapy with or without FLT3 inhibitors, venetoclax-based regimens, HMA with or without ivosidenib (first 4 cycles), but not APL/palliative care. Antiviral prophylaxis is recommended for APL receiving arsenic trioxide; limited evidence elsewhere. The panel supports universal pneumococcal, influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and herpes zoster vaccination. Overall, these consensus statements aim to harmonize practice and highlight key areas requiring specifically designed prospective studies.