This research article retrospectively analyzes interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test results (QuantiFERON-TB and T-SPOT.TB) from cancer patients to determine their effectiveness in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). The study at a major US cancer center found T-SPOT.TB yielded significantly more actionable results than QFT-TB, with QFT-TB producing a high rate of indeterminate results. Several factors, including immunosuppressant use and low hemoglobin, were associated with IGRA test invalidity or indeterminacy. While T-SPOT.TB showed better diagnostic performance for latent TB infection, the low TB disease prevalence limited conclusions on its ability to predict progression to active disease. The findings highlight the need for improved diagnostic tools for TB in immunocompromised individuals.

Batista MV, Sassine J, Khawaja F, et al. The Utility of Interferon-γ Release Assays in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Patients With Cancer. Transpl Infect Dis 2024;e14428.

PMID: 39731624

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