Amphotericin B colloidal dispersion (Amphocil) vs fluconazole for the prevention of fungal infections in neutropenic patients: data of a prematurely stopped clinical trial

[Clinical analysis of amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex for injection in the treatment of invasive fungal disease for patients with hematological malignancies in 30 cases]

Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex for injection in the context of empirical and diagnostic antifungal therapy for patients with hematological malignancies in addition to invasive fungal illness. Methods: This single-arm clinical study enrolled 30 patients who received empirical and diagnostic-driven antifungal therapy for hematological malignancies combined with invasive fungal disease. The primary endpoint was safety. Response rate, fever duration, and treatment completion rate were all considered secondary objectives. Results: 30 participants were eventually enrolled in the study, and the treatment completion rate was 80.0% . Most adverse events were in grades 1-2. Infusion response was the most frequent adverse event (24/30, 80% ) . The overall response rate was 80.0% (24/30) . In 24 patients (80.0% ) , the fever persisted for 1 day. Conclusions: Treatment of invasive fungal illness in conjunction with hematological malignancies showed good efficacy and safety with amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex for injection.

Antifungal Macrocycle Antibiotic Amphotericin B-Its Present and Future. Multidisciplinary Perspective for the Use in the Medical Practice

This review is devoted to a broad analysis of the results of studies of the effect of macrocyclic antifungal polyene antibiotic amphotericin B on cell membranes. A detailed study of polyenes has shown that some of them can have not only antifungal, but also antiviral and antitumor effects. Under conditions of global pandemic fungal pathology develops especially quickly and in this case leads to invasive aspergillosis, which contributes to the complication of coronavirus infection in the lungs and even secondary infection with invasive aspergillosis. The treatment of an invasive form of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is directly related to the immunomodulatory and immunostimulating properties of the macrocyclic polyene drug amphotericin B. The article presents experimental data on the study of the biological activity and membrane properties of amphotericin B and the effect of its chemically modified derivatives, as well as liposomal forms of amphotericin B on viral, bacterial and fungal infections. The mechanism of action of amphotericin B and its analogues is based on their interaction with cellular and lipid membranes, followed by formation of ion channels of molecular size in the membranes. The importance of these studies is that polyenes are sensitive to membranes that contain sterols of a certain structure. The analysis showed that pathogenic fungal cells containing ergosterol were 10−100 times more sensitive to polyene antibiotics than host cell membranes containing cholesterol. The high sterol selectivity of the action of polyenes opens broad prospects for the use of polyene antifungal drugs in practical medicine and pharmacology in the treatment of invasive mycoses and the prevention of atherosclerosis. In this context, it should be noted that polyene antibiotics are the main tool in the study of the biochemical mechanism of changes in the permeability of cell membranes for energy-dependent substrates. Chemical and genetic engineering transformation of the structure of polyene antibiotic molecules opens prospects for the identification and creation of new biologically active forms of the antibiotic that have a high selectivity of action in the treatment of pathogenic infections.

[Antifungal macrocycle antibiotic amphotericin B - its present and future. Multidisciplinary perspective for the use in the medical practice]

This review is devoted to a broad analysis of the results of studies of the effect of macrocyclic antifungal polyene antibiotic amphotericin B on cell membranes. A multi-prolonged study of polyenes showed that some of them can have not only antifungal, but also antiviral and antitumor action. Fungal pathology develops especially quickly and in this case leads to invasive aspergillosis, which contributes to the complication of coronavirus infection in the lungs and even secondary infection with invasive aspergillosis in the context of a global pandemic. The treatment of an invasive form of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is directly related to the immunomodulatory and immunostimulating properties of the macrocyclic polyene drug amphotericin B. The article presents experimental data on the study of the biological activity and membrane properties of amphotericin B and the effect of its chemically modified derivatives, as well as liposomal forms of amphotericin B on viral, bacterial and fungal infections. The mechanism of action of amphotericin B and its analogues is based on their interaction with cellular and lipid membranes, by forming ion channels of molecular size in them. The importance of these studies is that polyenes are sensitive to membranes that contain sterols of a certain structure. The analysis showed that pathogenic fungal cells containing ergosterol were 10-100 times more sensitive to polyene antibiotics than host cell membranes containing cholesterol. The high sterol selectivity of the action of polyenes opens up broad prospects for the use of polyene antifungal drugs in practical medicine and pharmacology in the treatment of invasive mycoses and the prevention of atherosclerosis. In this connection, it should be noted that polyene antibiotics are the main tool in the study of the biochemical mechanism of changes in the permeability of cell membranes for energy-dependent substrates. Chemical and genetic engineering transformation of the structure of polyene antibiotic molecules opens up prospects for the identification and creation of new biologically active forms of the antibiotic that have a high selectivity of action in the treatment of pathogenic infections.

Low-dose liposomal amphotericin B for antifungal prophylaxis in paediatric allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Primary antifungal prophylaxis in paediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients is mainly based on azoles, which can have related toxicity and drug interactions. Low-dose liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) is an attractive intravenous alternative because of its low toxicity and lower risk of interactions.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of L-AmB (1 mg/kg/day) for primary antifungal prophylaxis in pre-engraftment paediatric HSCT patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective, observational study including all consecutive patients aged ≤18 years who underwent HSCT and received antifungal prophylaxis with intravenous L-AmB (1 mg/kg/day, from day -1 to 48 h before discharge) between January 2012 and December 2016.

RESULTS

In total, 125 HSCT procedures in 118 patients were included, median age 7.2 years (IQR 4.2-11.5). Haematological malignancies were the main underlying condition (63.6%), and 109 (87.2%) were considered at high risk for invasive fungal infection (IFI). Ten patients (7.7%), all high risk, developed breakthrough IFI (three Candida spp., seven invasive mould infections) and tended to have higher overall mortality. The only statistically significant risk factor for IFI was cytomegalovirus co-infection. Adverse events, all grade I, occurred in 25 (20%), requiring L-AmB withdrawal in one case. Overall survival at 30 days was 99.2%. At study completion, one patient had died of IFI.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of breakthrough IFI was comparable to that of previous reports, with a very low rate of significant toxicity. Thus, prophylactic L-AmB may be a safe, effective option for antifungal prophylaxis in the pre-engraftment phase for children undergoing HSCT, even those at high risk.

Sixty years of Amphotericin B: An Overview of the Main Antifungal Agent Used to Treat Invasive Fungal Infections

Introduced in the late 1950s, polyenes represent the oldest family of antifungal drugs. The discovery of amphotericin B and its therapeutic uses is considered one of the most important scientific milestones of the twentieth century . Despite its toxic potential, it remains useful in the treatment of invasive fungal diseases owing to its broad spectrum of activity, low resistance rate, and excellent clinical and pharmacological action. The well-reported and defined toxicity of the conventional drug has meant that much attention has been paid to the development of new products that could minimize this effect. As a result, lipid-based formulations of amphotericin B have emerged and, even keeping the active principle in common, present distinct characteristics that may influence therapeutic results. This study presents an overview of the pharmacological properties of the different formulations for systemic use of amphotericin B available for the treatment of invasive fungal infections, highlighting the characteristics related to their chemical, pharmacokinetic structures, drug–target interactions, stability, and others, and points out the most relevant aspects for clinical practice.

Lipid Systems for the Delivery of Amphotericin B in Antifungal Therapy

Amphotericin B (AmB), a broad-spectrum polyene antibiotic in the clinic for more than fifty years, remains the gold standard in the treatment of life-threatening invasive fungal infections and visceral leishmaniasis. Due to its poor water solubility and membrane permeability, AmB is conventionally formulated with deoxycholate as a micellar suspension for intravenous administration, but severe infusion-related side effects and nephrotoxicity hamper its therapeutic potential. Lipid-based formulations, such as liposomal AmB, have been developed which significantly reduce the toxic side effects of the drug. However, their high cost and the need for parenteral administration limit their widespread use. Therefore, delivery systems that can retain or even enhance antimicrobial efficacy while simultaneously reducing AmB adverse events are an active area of research. Among those, lipid systems have been extensively investigated due to the high affinity of AmB for binding lipids. The development of a safe and cost-effective oral formulation able to improve drug accessibility would be a major breakthrough, and several lipid systems for the oral delivery of AmB are currently under development. This review summarizes recent advances in lipid-based systems for targeted delivery of AmB focusing on non-parenteral nanoparticulate formulations mainly investigated over the last five years and highlighting those that are currently in clinical trials.

Tolerability profile of the current antifungal armoury

The tolerability of available antifungal agents is essential to the final outcome of the management of invasive mycoses. There are limited classes of antifungal agents for use, and they can have serious direct toxicities and/or drug-drug interactions. In this review, we examine the common toxicities noted for antifungal agents and attempt to both identify the issues around the adverse events and provide clinical context for their occurrence in these fragile patients.

Antifungal Drugs: The Current Armamentarium and Development of New Agents

Invasive fungal infections are becoming an increasingly important cause of human mortality and morbidity, particularly for immunocompromised populations. The fungal pathogens Candida albicans , Cryptococcus neoformans , and Aspergillus fumigatus collectively contribute to over 1 million human deaths annually. Hence, the importance of safe and effective antifungal therapeutics for the practice of modern medicine has never been greater. Given that fungi are eukaryotes like their human host, the number of unique molecular targets that can be exploited for drug development remains limited. Only three classes of molecules are currently approved for the treatment of invasive mycoses. The efficacy of these agents is compromised by host toxicity, fungistatic activity, or the emergence of drug resistance in pathogen populations. Here we describe our current arsenal of antifungals and highlight current strategies that are being employed to improve the therapeutic safety and efficacy of these drugs. We discuss state-of-the-art approaches to discover novel chemical matter with antifungal activity and highlight some of the most promising new targets for antifungal drug development. We feature the benefits of combination therapy as a strategy to expand our current repertoire of antifungals and discuss the antifungal combinations that have shown the greatest potential for clinical development. Despite the paucity of new classes of antifungals that have come to market in recent years, it is clear that by leveraging innovative approaches to drug discovery and cultivating collaborations between academia and industry, there is great potential to bolster the antifungal armamentarium.

Fungal diseases: could nanostructured drug delivery systems be a novel paradigm for therapy?

Invasive mycoses are a major problem for immunocompromised individuals and patients in intensive care units. Morbidity and mortality rates of these infections are high because of late diagnosis and delayed treatment. Moreover, the number of available antifungal agents is low, and there are problems with toxicity and resistance. Alternatives for treating invasive fungal infections are necessary. Nanostructured systems could be excellent carriers for antifungal drugs, reducing toxicity and targeting their action. The use of nanostructured systems for antifungal therapy began in the 1990s, with the appearance of lipid formulations of amphotericin B. This review encompasses different antifungal drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, carriers based on solid lipids and nanostructure lipids, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and others. All these delivery systems have advantages and disadvantages. Main advantages are the improvement in the antifungal properties, such as bioavailability, reduction in toxicity, and target tissue, which facilitates innovative therapeutic techniques. Conversely, a major disadvantage is the high cost of production. In the near future, the use of nanosystems for drug delivery strategies can be used for delivering peptides, including mucoadhesive systems for the treatment of oral and vaginal candidiasis.

Retrospective Analysis on the Use of Amphotericin B Lipid Complex in Neutropenic Cancer Patients with Suspected Fungal Infections in Lebanon, a Single Center Experience and Review of International Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Immunocompromised patients carry a high risk for invasive fungal disease (IFD), which is associated with high mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of a 4-year experience of amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) utilization for the management of suspected IFD at the Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation unit at Makassed General Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon between January 2011 and December 2014. We focused on treatment strategy, response rate, and adverse drug events associated with ABLC therapy. We also reviewed ABLC indications in international guidelines beyond its Food and Drug Administration approval.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients received ABLC therapy for suspected fungal infection. Forty-eight percent were treated for a possible fungal infection, 19% for a problable fungal infection, 12% based on hospital guidelines, and 20% based on treating physician's recommendations. The overall response rate was 71%. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 24% of patients and serum creatinine improved in 10% of these patients. Moderate hypokalemia was observed in 61% of the patients and severe hypokalemia in 10% but was corrected in both cases. Hepatotoxicity was observed in 12% of the patients throughout ABLC therapy. Infusion-related reactions were observed in 36% of the patients. There was a decrease in the incidence of these reactions upon using combination of premedication drugs.

CONCLUSION

In this study, ABLC proved to be an effective and safe option in the management of suspected IFD in immunocompromised patients failing previous therapies.

Therapeutic and immunomodulatory activities of short-course treatment of murine visceral leishmaniasis with KALSOME™10, a new liposomal amphotericin B

BACKGROUND

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a potentially fatal disease, is most prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, East Africa and South America. Since the conventional antileishmanial drugs have many limitations we evaluated a new ergosterol rich liposomal amphotericin B formulation, KALSOME™10 for its leishmanicidal efficacy, tolerability and immunomodulatory activity.

METHODS

Normal healthy mice were treated with 3.5 mg/kg single and 7.5 mg/kg single and double doses of KALSOME™10. Liver and kidney function tests were performed fourteen days after treatment. Next, normal mice were infected with Leishmania donovani amastigotes. Two months post infection they were treated with the above mentioned doses of KALSOME™10 and sacrificed one month after treatment for estimation of parasite burden in the liver and spleen by Limiting Dilution Assay. Leishmanial antigen stimulated splenocyte culture supernatants were collected for cytokine detection through ELISA. Flow cytometric studies were performed on normal animals treated with KALSOME™10, Amphotericin B (AmB) and AmBiosome to compare their immunomodulatory activities.

RESULTS

The drug was found to induce no hepato- or nephrotoxicities at the studied doses. Moreover, at all doses, it led to significant reduction in parasite burden in two month infected BALB/c mice, with 7.5 mg/kg double dose resulting in almost complete clearance of parasites from both liver and spleen. Interestingly, the drug at 7.5 mg/kg double dose could almost completely inhibit the secretion of disease promoting cytokines, IL-10 and TGFβ, and significantly elevate the levels of IFNγ and IL-12, cytokines required for control of the disease. Mice treated with KALSOME™10 showed elevated levels of IFNγ and suppressed IL-10 secretion from both CD4(+) and CD8(+) subsets of T cells, as well as from culture supernatants of splenocytes, compared to that of normal, AmB and AmBisome treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of infected mice with 7.5 mg/kg double dose of KALSOME™10 was safe and effective in clearing the parasites from the sites of infection. The drug maintains the inherent immunomodulatory activities of AmB by effectively suppressing disease promoting cytokines IL-10 and TGFβ, thereby boosting IL-12 and IFNγ levels. This emphasizes KALSOME™10 as a promising drug alternative for lifelong protection from VL.

Amphotericin B versus fluconazole for controlling fungal infections in neutropenic cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Systemic fungal infection is considered to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, particularly those with neutropenia. Antifungal drugs are often given prophylactically, or empirically to patients with persistent fever.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of fluconazole and amphotericin B on morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer complicated by neutropenia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched PubMed from 1966 to 7 July 2014 and the reference lists of identified articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing fluconazole with amphotericin B.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and abstracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventeen trials (3798 patients, 381 deaths) were included. In two large three-armed trials, results for amphotericin B were combined with results for nystatin in a 'polyene' group. Because nystatin is an ineffective drug in these circumstances, this approach creates a bias in favour of fluconazole. Furthermore, most patients were randomised to oral amphotericin B, which is poorly absorbed and poorly documented. There was overlap among the 'polyene' trials but we were unable to obtain any information from the trial authors or from Pfizer, the manufacturer of fluconazole, to clarify these issues. There were no significant differences in effect between fluconazole and amphotericin B, but the confidence intervals were wide. More patients dropped out of the study when they received amphotericin B, but as none of the trials were blinded decisions on premature interruption of therapy could have been biased. Furthermore, amphotericin B was not given under optimal circumstances, with premedication to reduce infusion-related toxicity, slow infusion, and with fluid, potassium and magnesium supplements to prevent nephrotoxicity. The major harms were hepatic impairment and gastrointestinal adverse effects with fluconazole and infusion-related toxicity, renal impairment and gastrointestinal adverse effects with amphotericin B. For the 2011 and 2014 updates no additional trials were identified for inclusion.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Amphotericin B has been disfavoured in several of the trials through their design or analysis, or both. Since intravenous amphotericin B is the only antifungal agent for which an effect on mortality has been shown, and since it is considerably cheaper than fluconazole, it should be the preferred agent.

Guideline for primary antifungal prophylaxis for pediatric patients with cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

This guideline provides clinicians with evidence-based recommendations on the use of antifungal prophylaxis in children with cancer and undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recommendations are divided into: (1) allogeneic HSCT (2) autologous HSCT (3) acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome and (4) patients with malignancy and neutropenia for >7 days. A systematic review was conducted and evidence summaries compiled. The quality of evidence and strength of each recommendation was determined using GRADE. Implementation of these recommendations will require adaptation to local context. The contribution of this guideline in the prevention of invasive fungal infections requires prospective evaluation.

Amphotericin B formulations: a comparative review of efficacy and toxicity

Because of the increasing prevalence and changing microbiological spectrum of invasive fungal infections, some form of amphotericin B still provides the most reliable and broad spectrum therapeutic alternative. However, the use of amphotericin B deoxycholate is accompanied by dose-limited toxicities, most importantly, infusion-related reactions and nephrotoxicity. In an attempt to improve the therapeutic index of amphotericin B, three lipid-associated formulations were developed, including amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC), liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB), and amphotericin B colloidal dispersion (ABCD). The lipid composition of all three of these preparations differs considerably and contributes to substantially different pharmacokinetic parameters. ABLC is the largest of the lipid preparations. Because of its size, it is taken up rapidly by macrophages and becomes sequestered in tissues of the mononuclear phagocyte system such as the liver and spleen. Consequently, compared with the conventional formulation, it has lower circulating amphotericin B serum concentrations, reflected in a marked increase in volume of distribution and clearance. Lung levels are considerably higher than those achieved with other lipid-associated preparations. The recommended therapeutic dose of ABLC is 5 mg/kg/day. Because of its small size and negative charge, L-AmB avoids substantial recognition and uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system. Therefore, a single dose of L-AmB results in a much higher peak plasma level (Cmax) than conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate and a much larger area under the concentration-time curve. Tissue concentrations in patients receiving L-AmB tend to be highest in the liver and spleen and much lower in kidneys and lung. Recommended therapeutic dosages are 3-6 mg/kg/day. After intravenous infusion, ABCD complexes remain largely intact and are rapidly removed from the circulation by cells of the macrophage phagocyte system. On a milligram-to-milligram basis, the Cmax achieved is lower than that attained by conventional amphotericin B, although the larger doses of ABCD that are administered produce an absolute level that is similar to amphotericin B. ABCD exhibits dose-limiting, infusion-related toxicities; consequently, the administered dosages should not exceed 3-4 mg/kg/day. The few comparative clinical trials that have been completed with the lipid-associated formulations have not demonstrated important clinical differences among these agents and amphotericin B for efficacy, although there are significant safety benefits of the lipid products. Furthermore, only one published trial has ever compared one lipid product against another for any indication. The results of these trials are particularly difficult to interpret because of major heterogeneities in study design, disease definitions, drug dosages, differences in clinical and microbiological endpoints as well as specific outcomes examined. Nevertheless, it is possible to derive some general conclusions given the available data. The most commonly studied syndrome has been empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients, where the lipid-associated preparations did not appear to provide a survival benefit over conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate, but did offer a significant advantage for the prevention of various breakthrough invasive fungal infections. For treatment of documented invasive fungal infections that usually involved hematological malignancy patients, no individual randomized trial has demonstrated a mortality benefit due to therapy with one of the lipid formulations. Results from meta-analyses have been contradictory, with one demonstrating a mortality benefit from all-cause mortality and one that did not demonstrate a mortality benefit. In the only published study to examine HIV-infected patients with disseminated histoplasmosis, clinical success and mortality were significantly better with L-AmB compared with amphotericin B deoxycholate; there were no differences in microbiological outcomes between treatment groups. The lipid-associated preparations were not significantly better than amphotericin B deoxycholate for treatment of AIDS-associated acute cryptococcal meningitis for either clinical or microbiological outcomes that were studied. In all of the trials that specifically examined renal toxicity, the lipid-associated formulations were significantly less nephrotoxic than amphotericin B deoxycholate. Infusion-related reactions occurred less frequently with L-AmB when compared with amphotericin B deoxycholate; however, ABCD had equivalent or more frequent infusion-related reactions than conventional amphotericin B, and this resulted in the cessation of at least one clinical trial. At the present time, this particular lipid formulation is no longer commercially available. For the treatment of most invasive fungal infections, an amphotericin B lipid formulation provides a safer alternative than conventional amphotericin B, with at least equivalent efficacy. As the cost of therapy with these agents continues to decline, these drugs will likely maintain their important role in the antifungal drug armamentarium because of their efficacy and improved safety profile.

Mould-active compared with fluconazole prophylaxis to prevent invasive fungal diseases in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background:

Objectives were to compare systemic mould-active vs fluconazole prophylaxis in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods:

We searched OVID MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1948-August 2011) and EMBASE (1980-August 2011). Randomised controlled trials of mould-active vs fluconazole prophylaxis in cancer or HSCT patients were included. Primary outcome was proven/probable invasive fungal infections (IFI). Analysis was completed by computing relative risks (RRs) using a random-effects model and Mantel–Haenszel method.

Results:

From 984 reviewed articles, 20 were included in this review. Mould-active compared with fluconazole prophylaxis significantly reduced the number of proven/probable IFI (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98; P=0.03). Mould-active prophylaxis also decreased the risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA; RR 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.75; P=0.0004) and IFI-related mortality (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47–0.96; P=0.03) but is also associated with an increased risk of adverse events (AEs) leading to antifungal discontinuation (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.24–3.07; P=0.004). There was no decrease in overall mortality (RR 1.0; 95% CI 0.88–1.13; P=0.96).

Conclusion:

Mould-active compared with fluconazole prophylaxis significantly reduces proven/probable IFI, IA, and IFI-related mortality in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or HSCT, but increases AE and does not affect overall mortality.(PROSPERO Registration: CRD420111174)

Increased mortality in young candidemia patients associated with presence of a Candida albicans general-purpose genotype

The yeast Candida albicans causes life-threatening candidemia. A general-purpose genotype (GPG; corresponds to clade 1) causes more infections than other C. albicans genotypes. To investigate if GPG strains also cause higher mortality, we developed a duplex PCR assay which was 98% accurate in identifying GPG strains in an international collection of strains typed with probe Ca3. We applied the assay to 635 European C. albicans candidemia isolates. Of these, 18% conformed to the GPG genotype, 4% were of a borderline genotype, and 78% were of a non-GPG genotype, broadly consistent with genotype distributions in earlier studies. The prevalence of GPG strains was increased in females and in younger patients, exceeding 40% in infants aged ≤1 year. Logistic regression confirmed sex and age as significant determinants of GPG prevalence. Across the entire patient cohort, there was no difference in mortality for patients infected with GPG strains or other strains (36% versus 37%). However, mortality in patients aged ≤48 years was 33% for infection with GPG strains but only 15% for infection with other strains (z test; P < 0.01). Mortality rates associated with GPG and non-GPG strains were comparable in older patients (39% versus 46%). A logistic regression analysis confirmed the age-dependent impact of genotype on mortality. Thus, GPG strains may be more virulent than other strains in younger patients. Because candidemia is usually caused by endogenous strains, our PCR assay could potentially be used as a risk assessment tool for identifying younger patients most at risk of death from candidemia.

Approaches to the Management of Invasive Fungal Infections in Hematologic Malignancy and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Patients with hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at increased risk for invasive fungal infection (IFI) as a result of immunosuppression or organ damage stemming from their underlying disease, its treatment, or both. Such IFIs can cause significant morbidity and mortality, and the diagnosis and treatment of infected patients frequently are clinically challenging. This article discusses the epidemiology and risk factors for IFI in patients with hematologic malignancy and HCT recipients. The pros and cons of available antifungal agents are discussed, and evolving treatment strategies and recent prophylaxis guidelines from various professional organizations are reviewed. Finally, recommendations are offered for antifungal prophylaxis according to risk group.

Primary prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies. Recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Haematology and Oncology

There is no widely accepted standard for antifungal prophylaxis in patients with hematologic malignancies. The Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Haematology and Oncology assigned a committee of hematologists and infectious disease specialists to develop recommendations. Literature data bases were systematically searched for clinical trials on antifungal prophylaxis. The studies identified were shared within the committee. Data were extracted by two of the authors (OAC and MSi). The consensus process was conducted by email communication. Finally, a review committee discussed the proposed recommendations. After consensus was established the recommendations were finalized. A total of 86 trials were identified including 16,922 patients. Only a few trials yielded significant differences in efficacy. Fluconazole 400 mg/d improved the incidence rates of invasive fungal infections and attributable mortality in allogeneic stem cell recipients. Posaconazole 600 mg/d reduced the incidence of IFI and attributable mortality in allogeneic stem cell recipients with severe graft versus host disease, and in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome additionally reduced overall mortality. Aerosolized liposomal amphotericin B reduced the incidence rate of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Posaconazole 600 mg/d is recommended in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome or undergoing allogeneic stem cell recipients with graft versus host disease for the prevention of invasive fungal infections and attributable mortality (Level A I). Fluconazole 400 mg/d is recommended in allogeneic stem cell recipients until development of graft versus host disease only (Level A I). Aerosolized liposomal amphotericin B is recommended during prolonged neutropenia (Level B II).

Lipid-based nanoparticles as pharmaceutical drug carriers: from concepts to clinic

In recent years, various nanotechnology platforms in the area of medical biology, including both diagnostics and therapy, have gained remarkable attention. Moreover, research and development of engineered multifunctional nanoparticles as pharmaceutical drug carriers have spurred exponential growth in applications to medicine in the last decade. Design principles of these nanoparticles, including nanoemulsions, dendrimers, nano-gold, liposomes, drug-carrier conjugates, antibody-drug complexes, and magnetic nanoparticles, are primarily based on unique assemblies of synthetic, natural, or biological components, including but not limited to synthetic polymers, metal ions, oils, and lipids as their building blocks. However, the potential success of these particles in the clinic relies on consideration of important parameters such as nanoparticle fabrication strategies, their physical properties, drug loading efficiencies, drug release potential, and, most importantly, minimum toxicity of the carrier itself. Among these, lipid-based nanoparticles bear the advantage of being the least toxic for in vivo applications, and significant progress has been made in the area of DNA/RNA and drug delivery using lipid-based nanoassemblies. In this review, we will primarily focus on the recent advances and updates on lipid-based nanoparticles for their projected applications in drug delivery. We begin with a review of current activities in the field of liposomes (the so-called honorary nanoparticles), and challenging issues of targeting and triggering will be discussed in detail. We will further describe nanoparticles derived from a novel class of amphipathic lipids called bolaamphiphiles with unique lipid assembly features that have been recently examined as drug/DNA delivery vehicles. Finally, an overview of an emerging novel class of particles (based on lipid components other than phospholipids), solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers will be presented. We conclude with a few examples of clinically successful formulations of currently available lipid-based nanoparticles.

Antifungal Prophylaxis in Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy or Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of antifungal prophylaxis on all-cause mortality as primary outcome, invasive fungal infections (IFIs), and adverse events. Many studies have evaluated the role of antifungal prophylaxis in cancer patients, with inconsistent conclusions.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials comparing systemic antifungals with placebo, no intervention, or other antifungal agents for prophylaxis in cancer patients after chemotherapy. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, conference proceedings, and references were searched. Two reviewers independently appraised the quality of trials and extracted data.

Results

Sixty-four trials met inclusion criteria. Antifungal prophylaxis decreased all-cause mortality significantly at end of follow-up compared with placebo, no treatment, or nonsystemic antifungals (relative risk [RR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.95). In allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients, prophylaxis reduced all-cause mortality (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.85), fungal-related mortality, and documented IFI. In acute leukemia patients, there was a significant reduction in fungal-related mortality and documented IFI, whereas the difference in mortality was only borderline significant (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.06). Prophylaxis with itraconazole suspension reduced documented IFI when compared with fluconazole, with no difference in survival, and at the cost of more adverse events. On the basis of two studies, posaconazole prophylaxis reduced all-cause mortality (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.98), fungal-related mortality, and IFI when compared with fluconazole.

Conclusion

Antifungal prophylaxis decreases all-cause mortality significantly in patients after chemotherapy. Antifungal prophylaxis should be administered to patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT, and should probably be administered to high-risk acute leukemia patients.

Invasive aspergillosis: epidemiology, diagnosis and management in immunocompromised patients

Morbidity and mortality caused by invasive Aspergillus infections are increasing. This is because of the higher number of patients with malignancies treated with intensive immunosuppressive therapy regimens as well as their improved survival from formerly fatal bacterial infections, and the rising number of patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell or organ transplantation. Early initiation of effective systemic antifungal treatment is essential for a successful clinical outcome in these patients; however, clinical clues for diagnosis are sparse and early microbiological proof of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is rare. Clinical diagnosis is based on pulmonary CT scan findings and non-culture based diagnostic techniques such as galactomannan or DNA detection in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Most promising outcomes can be expected in patients at high risk for aspergillosis in whom antifungal treatment has been started pre-emptively, backed up by laboratory and imaging findings. The gold standard of systemic antifungal treatment is voriconazole, which has been proven to be significantly superior to conventional amphotericin B and has led to a profound improvement of survival rates in patients with cerebral aspergillosis. Liposomal amphotericin B at standard dosages appears to be a suitable alternative for primary treatment, while caspofungin, amphotericin B lipid complex or posaconazole have shown partial or complete response in patients who had been refractory to or intolerant of primary antifungal therapy. Combination therapy with two antifungal compounds may be a promising future strategy for first-line treatment. Lung resection helps to prevent fatal haemorrhage in single patients with pulmonary lesions located in close proximity to larger blood vessels, but is primarily considered for reducing the risk of relapse during subsequent periods of severe immunosuppression. Strict reverse isolation appears to reduce the incidence of aspergillosis in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients and patients with acute myeloid leukaemia undergoing aggressive anticancer therapy. Well designed, prospective randomised studies on infection control measures effective to prevent aspergillosis are lacking. Prophylactic systemic antifungal treatment with posaconazole significantly improves survival and reduces IA in acute myeloid leukaemia patients and reduces aspergillosis incidence rates in patients with intermediate-to-severe graft-versus-host reaction emerging after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Voriconazole prophylaxis may be suitable for prevention of IA as well; however, the results of large clinical trials are still awaited.

Interventions for preventing oral candidiasis for patients with cancer receiving treatment

BACKGROUND

Treatment of cancer is increasingly more effective but is associated with short and long term side effects. Oral side effects remain a major source of illness despite the use of a variety of agents to prevent and treat them. One of these side effects is oral candidiasis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of interventions (which may include placebo or no treatment) for the prevention of oral candidiasis for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Computerised searches of Cochrane Oral Health Group and PAPAS Trials Registers, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CANCERLIT, SIGLE and LILACS were undertaken. Reference lists from relevant articles were searched and the authors of eligible trials were contacted to identify trials and obtain additional information. Date of the most recent searches: June 2006: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 2).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Trials were selected if they met the following criteria: design - random allocation of participants; participants - anyone receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer; interventions - agents prescribed to prevent oral candidiasis; primary outcome - prevention of oral candidiasis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were recorded on the following secondary outcomes if present: relief of pain, amount of analgesia, relief of dysphagia, incidence of systemic infection, duration of stay in hospital (days), cost of oral care, patient quality of life, death, use of empirical antifungal treatment, toxicity and compliance. Information regarding methods, participants, interventions, outcome measures and results were independently extracted, in duplicate, by two review authors. The Cochrane Oral Health Group statistical guidelines were followed and risk ratios (RR) calculated using random-effects models. Potential sources of heterogeneity were examined in random-effects metaregression analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-eight trials involving 4226 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Drugs absorbed and partially absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were found to prevent oral candidiasis when compared to a placebo, or a no treatment control group, with RR for absorbed drugs = 0.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29 to 0.78). For absorbed drugs in populations with an incidence of 20% (mid range of results in control groups), this implies a NNT of 9 (95% CI 7 to 13) patients need to be treated to avoid one patient getting oral candidiasis. There was no significant benefit shown for drugs not absorbed from the GI tract.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is strong evidence, from randomised controlled trials, that drugs absorbed or partially absorbed from the GI tract prevent oral candidiasis in patients receiving treatment for cancer. There is also evidence that these drugs are significantly better at preventing oral candidiasis than drugs not absorbed from the GI.

Adverse effects of antifungal therapies in invasive fungal infections: review and meta-analysis

Amphotericin B is the main therapeutic agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections; however, it is associated with significant toxicities that limit its use. Other systemic antifungal agents have been developed to improve tolerability while maintaining the efficacy profile of conventional amphotericin B. Fifty-four studies involving 9,228 patients were assessed for the frequency of adverse effects of the main systemic antifungal agents. While the results suggest that liposomal amphotericin B is the least nephrotoxic of the lipid formulations (14.6%), that conventional amphotericin B is the most nephrotoxic (33.2%), and that itraconazole is the most hepatotoxic (31.5%), the lack of standard definitions of antifungal-related adverse effects limits the validity of these results. Furthermore, heterogeneous patient pools and differing protocols make it difficult to draw direct comparisons between studies. With the advent of newer classes of systemic antifungal agents, future trials should conform to definitions that are universally applicable and clinically relevant to allow for such comparisons and to enable evidence-based decision-making.

Amphotericin B–Associated Hyperbilirubinemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 53-year-old woman with an intraabdominal infection secondary to Candida albicans experienced hyperbilirubinemia after receiving amphotericin B in two different formulations--amphotericin B deoxycholate and amphotericin B lipid complex. Only a few case reports of amphotericin B-induced hyperbilirubinemia have been documented in the literature, each with different patterns of corresponding abnormalities in liver function tests. The unpredictable nature of this adverse effect warrants monitoring of bilirubin levels and liver function at baseline and potentially during therapy with amphotericin B, regardless of formulation, dosage, or duration of therapy.

Pharmacoeconomics of antifungal pharmacotherapy – challenges and future directions

The frequency and severity of invasive fungal infections have been increasingly recognised and new antifungal therapies have expanded the therapeutic armamentarium available to manage such infections. Antifungal agents comprise a significant portion of antibiotic expenditures at major medical centres, prompting adoption of cost-containment measures and treatment guidelines. This paper reviews available data regarding the costs associated with managing fungal infections, including pharmacoeconomic analyses that have been performed in the setting of documented fungal infections, as well as prophylactic and empiric use of antifungal agents. The challenges of performing such studies are discussed, as well as the limitations of published investigations. Finally, recommendations are made regarding the design and implementation of future pharmacoeconomic analyses that can help establish the true costs of managing invasive fungal infections in at-risk patient populations.

Adverse effects of antifungal therapies in invasive fungal infections: review and meta-analysis

Amphotericin B is the main therapeutic agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections; however, it is associated with significant toxicities that limit its use. Other systemic antifungal agents have been developed to improve tolerability while maintaining the efficacy profile of conventional amphotericin B. Fifty-four studies involving 9,228 patients were assessed for the frequency of adverse effects of the main systemic antifungal agents. While the results suggest that liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) is the least nephrotoxic of the lipid formulations (14.6%), that conventional amphotericin B (AmB) is the most nephrotoxic (33.2%), and that itraconazole is the most hepatotoxic (31.5%), the lack of standard definitions of antifungal-related adverse effects limits the validity of these results. Furthermore, heterogeneous patient pools and differing protocols make it difficult to draw direct comparisons between studies. With the advent of newer classes of systemic antifungal agents, future trials should conform to definitions that are universally applicable and clinically relevant to allow for such comparisons and to enable evidence-based decision-making.

New agents for the treatment of systemic fungal infections – current status

Systemic antifungal chemotherapy is enjoying its most dynamic era. More antifungal agents are under development than ever before, including agents in entirely new classes. Major goals of current investigations are to identify compounds with a wide spectrum of activity, minimal toxicity and a high degree of target specificity. The antifungal drugs in development include new azoles {voriconazole, posaconazole (formerly SCH-56592), ravuconazole (formerly BMS-207147)}, lipid formulations of amphotericin B, a lipid formulation of nystatin, echinocandins {anidulafungin (formerly, LY-303366, VER-002), caspofungin (formerly MK-991), micafungin (formerly FK-463)}, antifungal peptides other than echinocandins, and sordarin derivatives. This discussion reviews the currently available antifungal agents and summarises the developmental issues that surround these new systemic antifungal drugs.

Aspergillus infections in transplant recipients

Aspergillus infections are occurring with an increasing frequency in transplant recipients. Notable changes in the epidemiologic characteristics of this infection have occurred; these include a change in risk factors and later onset of infection. Management of invasive aspergillosis continues to be challenging, and the mortality rate, despite the use of newer antifungal agents, remains unacceptably high. Performing molecular studies to discern new targets for antifungal activity, identifying signaling pathways that may be amenable to immunologic interventions, assessing combination regimens of antifungal agents or combining antifungal agents with modulation of the host defense mechanisms, and devising diagnostic assays that can rapidly and reliably diagnose infections represent areas for future investigations that may lead to further improvement in outcomes.

Interventions for preventing oral candidiasis for patients with cancer receiving treatment

BACKGROUND

Treatment of cancer is increasingly more effective but is associated with short and long term side effects. Oral side effects remain a major source of illness despite the use of a variety of agents to prevent and treat them. One of these side effects is oral candidiasis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of interventions (which may include placebo or no treatment) for the prevention of oral candidiasis for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Electronic databases: Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE Pre-indexed, EMBASE, CINAHL, CANCERLIT, SIGLE and LILACS were searched. Date of the most recent searches April 2004 (CENTRAL Issue 2, 2004).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Trials were selected if they met the following criteria: design - random allocation of participants; participants - anyone receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for cancer; interventions - agents prescribed to prevent oral candidiasis; primary outcome - prevention of oral candidiasis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were recorded on the following secondary outcomes if present: relief of pain, amount of analgesia, relief of dysphagia, incidence of systemic infection, duration of stay in hospital (days), cost of oral care, patient quality of life, death, use of empirical antifungal treatment, toxicity and compliance. Information regarding methods, participants, interventions, outcome measures and results were independently extracted, in duplicate, by two reviewers (HW & JC). The Cochrane Oral Health Group statistical guidelines were followed and relative risk values calculated using random effects models. Potential sources of heterogeneity were examined in random effects metaregression analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-eight trials involving 4226 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Drugs absorbed and partially absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were found to prevent oral candidiasis when compared to a placebo, or a no treatment control group, with RR for absorbed drugs = 0.47 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.78). For absorbed drugs in populations with an incidence of 20% (mid range of results in control groups), this implies a NNT of 9 (95% CI 7 to 13) patients need to be treated to avoid one patient getting oral candidiasis. There was no significant benefit shown for drugs not absorbed from the GI tract.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is strong evidence, from randomised controlled trials, that drugs absorbed or partially absorbed from the GI tract prevent oral candidiasis in patients receiving treatment for cancer. There is also evidence that these drugs are significantly better at preventing oral candidiasis than drugs not absorbed from the GI.

Choices aplenty: antifungal prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

The incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFIs) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients ranges from 10 to 25% with an overall case fatality rate of up to 70-90%. Candida and Aspergillus genera remain the two most common pathogens. Although fluconazole prophylaxis in this population has been moderately effective in reducing mortality due to invasive candidiasis, this agent does not have activity against invasive aspergillosis (IA) and other mould. Several new agents such as voriconazole and caspofungin have enhanced potency and broad-spectrum antifungal activity and show promising results against yeasts and filamentous fungi when given as therapy and as chemoprophylaxis. Further, new diagnostic tools to detect circulating fungal antigens in biological fluids and PCR-based methods to detect species or genus-specific DNA or RNA have been developed. Incorporating these techniques along with clinical criteria appear to improve the accuracy of preclinical diagnosis of IFIs. Such approaches may alter the current treatment strategy from prophylaxis to pre-emptive therapy, thereby potentially decreasing cost and toxicity in high-risk patients.

Amphotericin B nephrotoxicity in children

Amphotericin B is the treatment of choice for severe systemic fungal infections. Nephrotoxicity is the most clinically significant adverse effect, but studies examining nephrotoxicity in children are scarce. Nephrotoxicity includes decreased glomerular filtration rate and distal tubulopathy with urinary loss of potassium and magnesium, renal tubular acidosis, loss of urine concentrating ability, and sometimes Fanconi's syndrome. The mechanisms involved in nephrotoxicity include the use of deoxycholate, the vehicle for amphotericin, reduction in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, increased salt concentrations at the macula densa, interaction of amphotericin with ergosterol in the cell membrane, and apoptosis in proximal tubular cells and medullary interstitial cells. Some risk factors for amphotericin nephrotoxicity have been determined over the years. Cumulative dosage, treatment duration, and dosing schedule as well as the combination of amphotericin with other nephrotoxic drugs, such as diuretics and cyclosporine, are important risk factors. Mechanisms to prevent nephrotoxicity include the use of lipid formulations such as amphotericin B lipid complex, amphotericin B colloidal dispersion, and liposomal amphotericin B and the concurrent use of volume repletion. Amiloride can be considered in serious potassium loss.

The lipid formulations of amphotericin B

Amphotericin B spectrum covers most of the fungal pathogens involved in human diseases. Its use is limited by infusion-related effects and nephrotoxicity. As a result of strong lipophilic properties, encapsulation in liposomes or binding to lipid complexes led to the development of lipid formulations in an attempt to increase both efficacy and safety. Three lipid formulations of amphotericin B are commercially available: a liposomal preparation, a lipid complex and a colloidal dispersion. They differ in their lipid composition, shape, pharmacokinetic behaviour and clinical effects. The nephrotoxicity of these formulations is significantly decreased compared to their parent compound. Infusion-related events are lowest with liposomal amphotericin B. Increased efficacy of the lipid formulations over conventional amphotericin B, however, still has to be demonstrated. These formulations are mainly indicated for the treatment of documented fungal infections in patients failing conventional amphotericin B or with renal impairment. Liposomal amphotericin B is also indicated for empirical therapy of suspected fungal infections in febrile neutropenic patients giving this compound an advantage over the two other formulations. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B are extremely expensive. Whether the increase in cost translates into a long-term benefit for the patient is still unknown.

Evidence-based assessment of primary antifungal prophylaxis in patients with hematologic malignancies

Invasive fungal infection is an increasing source of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those with prolonged and severe neutropenia (absolute white blood cell count < 100/microL). Early diagnosis of invasive fungal infection is difficult, suggesting that antifungal prophylaxis could be the best approach for neutropenic patients undergoing intensive myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Consequently, antifungal prophylaxis has been extensively studied for more than 20 years. Nonabsorbable polyenes reduce superficial mycoses but are not effective in preventing or treating invasive fungal infections. Intravenous amphotericin B and the newer azoles were used in numerous clinical trials, but the value of antifungal prophylaxis in defined risk groups with cancer is still open to discussion. Recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplants and patients with a relapsed leukemia are high-risk patient populations. In addition, certain risk factors are well defined, for example, neutropenia more than 10 days, corticosteroid therapy, sustained immunosuppression, and graft-versus-host disease. In contrast to study efforts, evidence-based recommendations on the clinical use of antifungal prophylaxis according to risk groups are rare. The objective of this review of 50 studies accumulating more than 9000 patients is to assess evidence-based criteria with regard to the efficacy of antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenic cancer patients.

Antifungal prophylaxis for severely neutropenic chemotherapy recipients: a meta analysis of randomized-controlled clinical trials

BACKGROUND

The overall clinical efficacy of the azoles antifungal agents and low-dose intravenous amphotericin B for antifungal chemoprophylaxis in patients with malignant disease who have severe neutropenia remains unclear.

METHODS

Randomized-controlled trials of azoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole) or intravenous amphotericin B formulations compared with placebo/no treatment or polyene-based controls in severely neutropenic chemotherapy recipients were evaluated using meta-analytical techniques.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight trials that included 7014 patients (study agents, 3515 patients; control patients, 3499 patients) were analyzed. Overall, there were reductions in the use of parenteral antifungal therapy (prophylaxis success: odds ratio [OR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.48-0.68; relative risk reduction [RRR], 19%; number requiring treatment for this outcome [NNT], 10 patients), superficial fungal infection (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.20-0.43; RRR, 61%; NNT, 12 patients), invasive fungal infection (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35-0.55; RRR, 56%; NNT, 22 patients), and fungal infection-related mortality (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.82; RRR, 47%; NNT, 52 patients). Invasive aspergillosis was unaffected (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.62-1.44). Although overall mortality was not reduced (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.74-1.03), subgroup analyses showed reduced mortality in studies of patients who had prolonged neutropenia (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.95) or who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59-0.99). The multivariate metaregression analyses identified HSCT, prolonged neutropenia, acute leukemia with prolonged neutropenia, and higher azole dose as predictors of treatment effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Antifungal prophylaxis reduced morbidity, as evidenced by reductions in the use of parenteral antifungal therapy, superficial fungal infection, and invasive fungal infection, as well as reducing fungal infection-related mortality. These effects were most pronounced in patients with malignant disease who had prolonged neutropenia and HSCT recipients.

Amphotericin B versus fluconazole for controlling fungal infections in neutropenic cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Systemic fungal infection is considered to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, particularly those with neutropenia. Antifungal drugs are often given prophylactically, or to patients with persistent fever.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of fluconazole and amphotericin B on morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer complicated by neutropenia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE and Cochrane Library (November 2001). Letters, abstracts, and unpublished trials. The industry and authors were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials comparing fluconazole with amphotericin B.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data on mortality, invasive fungal infection, colonisation, use of additional (escape) antifungal therapy and adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy were extracted by both authors independently.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen trials (3760 patients, 341 deaths) were included. In 3 large 3-armed trials, results for amphotericin B were combined with results for nystatin in a "polyene" group. Because nystatin is an ineffective drug in these circumstances, this approach creates a bias in favour of fluconazole. Furthermore, most patients were randomised to oral amphotericin B, which is poorly absorbed and poorly documented. It was unclear whether there was overlap among the "polyene" trials. We were unable to obtain any information to clarify these issues from the trial authors or from Pfizer, the manufacturer of fluconazole. There were no significant differences in effect between fluconazole and amphotericin B, but the confidence intervals were wide. More patients dropped out of the study when they received amphotericin B, but as none of the trials were blinded, decisions on premature interruption of therapy could have been biased. Furthermore, amphotericin B was rarely given under optimal circumstances, with premedication to reduce infusion-related toxicity, slow infusion, and with potassium and magnesium supplements to prevent nephrotoxicity.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Amphotericin B had been disfavoured in several of the trials through their design or analysis. Since intravenous amphotericin B is the only antifungal agent for which there is good evidence suggesting an effect on mortality and is considerably cheaper than fluconazole, it should be preferred.

Antifungal prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Infections remain a major complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with recent trends indicating that fungal pathogens have become one of the most common causes of death. Attention has turned to the use of prophylactic antifungal medications to prevent infection with both Candida and Aspergillus species. Recent studies, which are reviewed within, indicate success in preventing infections caused by azole-susceptible Candida species, accompanied by improved transplant-related mortality rates in high-risk patients. Further studies are necessary to develop strategies to prevent infection with Aspergillus species.

Lipid-based amphotericin B: a review of the last 10 years of use

The last decade has been remarkable for the dramatic increase in the prevalence of serious fungal infections in patients with haematological disorders and neutropenic cancer patients. The mortality rate of deep-seated infection has been in excess of 90% and there is no doubt that this is one of the greatest challenges currently facing haematologists and oncologists. The development of the lipid-based drugs - liposomal amphotericin (AmBisome(R)), amphotericin B lipid complex, ABLC (Abelcet(R)), amphotericin B colloidal dispersion, Amphocil (ABCD(R)), has meant that doses of amphotericin B can be safely escalated for the first time whilst the problems of nephrotoxicity, infusion related reactions (including chills, rigors, fevers and hypoxia) can be reduced. These toxicities are variably reduced with AmBisome more than Abelcet and more than Amphocil and there is little information from randomised trials other than for AmBisome. AmBisome used in the setting of persistent fever and neutropenia not responding after 3-4 days of intravenous antibiotics, is associated with less breakthrough systemic fungal infections. There is also much less need for premedication, including steroids, compared with amphotericin B and Abelcet. The use of intermittent doses of Ambisome given prophylactically is now being explored. A new and exciting era of antifungal therapy is opening up with new compounds, such as itraconazole voriconazole, posaconazole and echinocandins, being investigated and for the first time, we also have options for combination therapy and prophylaxis.