REACTIVATION OF ORAL HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS - IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICALMANAGEMENT OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS RECURRENCE DURING RADIOTHERAPY

Herpes viruses are characterized by their ability to establish and mai ntain latent infections that can be reactivated. Several stimuli can t rigger the reactivation of herpes viruses, which are perhaps best reco gnized in the recurrent blisters and ulcers associated with herpes sim plex virus. We present two clinical cases of reactivation of herpes si mplex virus during radiation therapy for management of cancers of the head and neck. Although the role of ionizing radiation in the reactiva tion of herpes simplex virus has not been established, we review the v iral and host events associated with the establishment of orofacial he rpes simplex virus infection, latency, and reactivation of the virus. We discuss current models of viral reactivation and suggest directions for further clinical research into the reactivation of orolabial herp es simplex virus during radiotherapy.