Management of invasive mycoses in hematology patients: current approaches

Oncology (Williston Park). 2004 Nov;18(13 Suppl 7):5-14.

Abstract

Candidiasis and aspergillosis are the most common fungal infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and other hematology/oncology patients. Strategies for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these infections include antifungal prophylaxis, empiric therapy in patients with persistent fever and neutropenia, and preemptive therapy. Antifungal therapies include amphotericin B deoxycholate, lipid formulations of amphotericin B, the triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole), and the echinocandins (caspofungin and the investigational agents micafungin and anidulafungin). Fluconazole is a reasonable choice for the treatment of invasive candidiasis if the patient has not previously received a triazole and the institution has a low incidence of triazole resistance. If resistance is a concern, an echinocandin, such as caspofungin, is an appropriate option. Voriconazole may be the initial choice in most patients with invasive aspergillosis. If patients are intolerant of or refractory to conventional therapy, effective alternatives include a lipid formulation of amphotericin B or an echinocandin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aspergillosis / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Deoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Echinocandins
  • Fungal Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Liposomes
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*
  • Mycoses / etiology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Peptides, Cyclic / therapeutic use
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Survival Analysis
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • Echinocandins
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Liposomes
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Triazoles
  • Deoxycholic Acid
  • Amphotericin B
  • amphotericin B, deoxycholate drug combination
  • echinocandin B