[5-(2-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine therapy of herpes zoster diseases in patients with malignant primary diseases].

BVDU [(E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine] has proved effective in the treatment of varicella-zoster virus diseases in patients with malignancies. In 13 out of 20 patients a prompt cessation of new vesicle formation accompanied by rapid resolution of fever, crusting and complete epithelialisation of cutaneous lesions were noted. Only in few cases a prolonged recovery from the severe zoster occurred. When starting the treatment later than 48 hours after the onset of initial rash the dissemination of epithelial lesions could not be prevented. BVDU was well tolerated. Laboratory abnormalities were observed only in some cases and did not result in interruption of treatment.