Final answer:
Patients on temozolomide for glioblastoma typically require prophylaxis against opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia due to immune system suppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients started on temozolomide for glioblastoma commonly require prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and other opportunistic infections. Temozolomide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of certain brain cancers, which can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of opportunistic infections in patients. Because of the immune suppression, these patients are at high risk for infections like PCP a serious fungal infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii and they often require prophylactic treatment with antifungal medications such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) to prevent it.
Patients with glioblastoma may also be vulnerable to other types of infections, including viral infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) and neurotoxoplasmosis, often caused by Toxoplasma gondii. CMV infections can be particularly severe in immunocompromised individuals, potentially leading to serious health issues such as encephalitis or retinitis.