Treatment of invasive fungal disease using anidulafungin alone or in combination for hematologic patients with concomitant hepatic or renal impairment

Abstract

Background: Invasive fungal disease (IFD) treatment is challenging in hematologic patients due to drug interactions and toxicities that limit the use of the antifungal agents.

Aims: To analyze retrospectively in terms of safety and potential efficacy anidulafungin therapy, alone or in combination.

Methods: Our institutional guidelines recommended anidulafungin treatment in hematologic patients with suspected IFD and concomitant renal or liver impairment (to avoid drug interactions and preserve organ function).

Results: From 2008 to 2013, 24 episodes of IFD occurring in 21 patients were classified as proven (4 cases), probable (15 cases) and possible (5 cases). Anidulafungin was administered alone (13%) or in combination (88%). Eight (33%) episodes were resolved, using monotherapy (1 out of 3, 33%) or a combined therapy (7 out of 21, 33%). Twelve cases (50%) were registered as failure (death due to IFD progression in 4 patients, and treatment change due to lack of efficacy in 8), and 4 cases (17%) were not evaluable (death unrelated to the IFD). Anidulafungin was not withdrawn in any case due to toxicity.

Conclusions: Anidulafungin therapy, alone or in combination, could be considered in hematologic patients with IFD and concomitant liver or renal impairment. Due to the low number of patients, we cannot draw any conclusion about efficacy.

Keywords: Alto-riesgo; Anidulafungin; Anidulafungina; Enfermedad fúngica invasiva; Hematologic malignancies; High-risk; Invasive fungal disease; Neoplasias hematológicas.