Caspofungin for the treatment of invasive fungal disease in hematological patients (ProCAS Study)

Antifungal Combinations against Candida Species: From Bench to Bedside

Candida spp. is the major causative agent of fungal infections in hospitalized patients and the fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI). The availability of standardized methods for testing the in vitro activity of antifungals along with the expanding of antifungal armamentarium, the rising of drug-resistance and the persistence of a high mortality rate in systemic candidiasis have led to an increased interest in combination therapy. Therefore, we aimed to review the scientific literature concerning the antifungal combinations against Candida. A literature search performed in PubMed yielded 92 studies published from 2000 to 2021: 29 articles referring to in vitro studies, six articles referring to either in vitro and in vivo (i.e., animal models) studies and 57 clinical articles. Pre-clinical studies involved 735 isolates of Candida species and 12 unique types of antifungal combination approaches including azoles plus echinocandins (19%), polyenes plus echinocandins (16%), polyenes plus azoles (13%), polyenes plus 5-flucytosine ([5-FC], 13%), azoles plus 5-FC (11%) and other types of combinations (28%). Results varied greatly, often being species-, drug- and methodology-dependent. Some combinatorial regimens exerted a synergistic effect against difficult-to-treat Candida species (i.e., azoles plus echinocandins; polyenes plus 5-FC) or they were more effective than monotherapy in prevent or reducing biofilm formation and in speeding the clearance of infected tissues (i.e., polyenes plus echinocandins). In 283 patients with documented Candida infections (>90% systemic candidiasis/BSI), an antifungal combination approach could be evaluated. Combinations included: azoles plus echinocandins (36%), 5-FC-combination therapies (24%), polyenes plus azoles (18%), polyenes plus echinocandins (16%) and other types of combination therapy (6%). Case reports describing combination therapies yielded favorable response in most cases, including difficult-to-treat fungal infections (i.e., endocarditis, osteoarticular infections, CNS infections) or difficult-to-treat fungal pathogens. The only randomized trial comparing amphotericin-B deoxycholate (AMB) plus FLU vs. AMB alone for treatment of BSI in nonneutropenic patients showed that the combination trended toward improved success and more-rapid clearance from the bloodstream. In summary, antifungal combinations against Candida have produced great interest in the past two decades. To establish whether this approach can become a reliable treatment option, additional in vitro and clinical data are warranted.

Role of Antifungal Combinations in Difficult to Treat Candida Infections

Candida infections are varied and, depending on the immune status of the patient, a life-threatening form may develop. C. albicans is the most prevalent species isolated, however, a significant shift towards other Candida species has been noted. Monotherapy is frequently indicated, but the patient's evolution is not always favorable. Drug combinations are a suitable option in specific situations. The aim of this review is to address this problem and to discuss the role of drug combinations in difficult to treat Candida infections. A search for eligible studies in PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed. An analysis of the data was carried out to define in which cases a combination therapy is the most appropriate. Combination therapy may be used for refractory candidiasis, endocarditis, meningitis, eye infections and osteomyelitis, among others. The role of the drug combination would be to increase efficacy, reduce toxicity and improve the prognosis of the patient in infections that are difficult to treat. More clinical studies and reporting of cases in which drug combinations are used are needed in order to have more data that support the use of this therapeutic strategy.

In Vitro Interaction and Killing-Kinetics of Amphotericin B Combined with Anidulafungin or Caspofungin against Candida auris

Treatment of invasive infections caused by Candida auris is challenging due to the limited therapeutic options. The combination of antifungal drugs may be an interesting and feasible approach to be investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro activity of amphotericin B in combination with anidulafungin or caspofungin against C. auris. In vitro static time–kill curve experiments were conducted for 48 h with different combinations of amphotericin B with anidulafungin or caspofungin against six blood isolates of C. auris. The antifungal activity of 0.5 mg/L of amphotericin B was limited against the six isolates of C. auris. Similarly, echinocandins alone had a negligible effect, even at the highest tested concentrations. By contrast, 1 mg/L of amphotericin B showed fungistatic activity. Synergy was rapidly achieved (8 h) with 0.5 mg/L of amphotericin B plus 2 mg/L of anidulafungin or caspofungin. These combinations lead to a sustained fungistatic effect, and the fungicidal endpoint was reached against some C. auris isolates. Additionally, ≥0.5 mg/L of either of the two echinocandins with 1 mg/L of amphotericin B resulted in fungicidal effect against all C. auris isolates. In conclusion, combinations of amphotericin B with anidulafungin or caspofungin provided greater killing with a lower dose requirement for amphotericin B compared to monotherapy, with synergistic and/or fungicidal outcomes.

Treatment of invasive fungal diseases in cancer patients-Revised 2019 Recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO)

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy. The choice of the most appropriate antifungal treatment (AFT) depends on the fungal species suspected or identified, the patient's risk factors (eg length and depth of granulocytopenia) and the expected side effects.

OBJECTIVES

Since the last edition of recommendations for 'Treatment of invasive fungal infections in cancer patients' of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) in 2013, treatment strategies were gradually moving away from solely empirical therapy of presumed or possible invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) towards pre-emptive therapy of probable IFD.

METHODS

The guideline was prepared by German clinical experts for infections in cancer patients in a stepwise consensus process. MEDLINE was systematically searched for English-language publications from January 1975 up to September 2019 using the key terms such as 'invasive fungal infection' and/or 'invasive fungal disease' and at least one of the following: antifungal agents, cancer, haematological malignancy, antifungal therapy, neutropenia, granulocytopenia, mycoses, aspergillosis, candidosis and mucormycosis.

RESULTS

AFT of IFDs in cancer patients may include not only antifungal agents but also non-pharmacologic treatment. In addition, the armamentarium of antifungals for treatment of IFDs has been broadened (eg licensing of isavuconazole). Additional antifungals are currently under investigation or in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, updated recommendations for the treatment of proven or probable IFDs are given. All recommendations including the levels of evidence are summarised in tables to give the reader rapid access to key information.

Efficacy of Caspofungin in Unclassified Invasive Fungal Infection Cases: A Retrospective Analysis of Patients with Hematological Malignancies in China

Background

The management of invasive fungal infection (IFI) is challenging in immunocompromised patients who do not fully satisfy the EORTC/MSG diagnostic criteria of proven or probable IFI. Our study assessed caspofungin efficacy in 582 Chinese patients with hematological malignancies exhibiting unclassified signs or symptoms of IFI.

Material/Methods

This retrospective study included caspofungin treatment outcomes of an unclassified group A (n=401) of patients without microbiological or biomarker results and group B (n=181) patients with positive microbiological or biomarker results. Factors that correlated with clinical outcomes were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Cough (41.8%), expectoration (29.6%), and chest tightness (14.6%) were the most common clinical features, and changes in CT images (88.1%) were more frequently detected than in X-ray images (19.6%) in all patients. Favorable response rates for caspofungin as first-line treatment were 58.2% for group A and 56.3% for group B. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, cardiovascular disease, hemoptysis, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <1000/mm³ before antifungal treatment without recovery were associated with unfavorable clinical outcome (P<0.05 for all). Cough and ANC recovery >1000/mm³ were significantly associated with favorable (complete or partial resolution) outcome.

Conclusions

Caspofungin was effective for treating unclassified IFIs of immunocompromised patients. Cardiovascular disease, ECOG score, cough, and/or hemoptysis, as well as ANC count, represent a potential index for estimating response of unclassified IFI patients to caspofungin treatments.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of caspofungin in dried blood spots

RATIONALE

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for quantification of caspofungin in dried blood spots (DBS) was developed and validated.

METHODS

The DBS samples were prepared by spotting whole blood onto Whatman 903 filter paper, drying at room temperature and extracting with 50% methanol and further cleaned by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Roxithromycin was selected as internal standard, and the separation of the analytes with endogenous ingredients was accomplished on a Hypersil GOLD aQ column with a mobile phase composed of 0.1% formic acid (v/v) and methanol in gradient mode. The detection of the analytes was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionization mode, and the following selective reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions were monitored: m/z 547.6 → 538.7 and 837.4→ 679.4 for quantification of caspofungin and the internal standard, respectively.

RESULTS

The total analytical time was 8 min for each run. The calibration curve exhibited a good linearity over the range from 0.2 to 20 μg/mL and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.2 μg/mL for caspofungin in DBS. The recoveries of caspofungin ranged from 62.64% to 76.69%, and no obvious matrix effect was observed. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were within acceptable limits, and caspofungin in DBS was stable after storage at room temperature for 24 h and at -80°C for 30 days. There was no evident effect of the hematocrit value on the analysis of caspofungin.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method presents an alternative to the conventional venous sampling method, and was successfully utilized for pharmacokinetics study of caspofungin in ICU patients.

Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Aspergillosis: An Assessment of the Evidence

Aspergillus spp. are a group of filamentous molds that were first described due to a perceived similarity to an aspergillum, or liturgical device used to sprinkle holy water, when viewed under a microscope. Although commonly inhaled due to their ubiquitous nature within the environment, an invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a rare outcome that is often reserved for those patients who are immunocompromised. Given the potential for significant morbidity and mortality within this patient population from IFI due to Aspergillus spp., along with the rise in the use of therapies that confer immunosuppression, there is an increasing need for appropriate initial clinical suspicion leading to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Voriconazole remains the first line agent for therapy; however, the use of polyenes, novel triazole agents, or voriconazole in combination with an echinocandin may also be utilized. Consideration as to which particular agent and for what duration should be made in the individual context for each patient based upon underlying immunosuppression, comorbidities, and overall tolerance of therapy.

Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Aspergillosis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.

[Factors influencing recovery in patients with hemoblastoses and candidemia]

aim: To study the factors influencing the results of treatment for candidemia (CE) in patients with blood system tumors.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The investigation enrolled patients with hemoblastoses and CE. 30-day all-cause mortality was analyzed.

RESULTS

In an 8-year period (2006-2013), CE was diagnosed in 55 patients (median age, 50 years); there was a preponderance of patients with lymphomas (47%) and acute leukemias (27%). The causative agents of CE were C. albicans (38%), C. parapsilosis (17%), C. krusei (11%), C. guilliermondii (11%), C. lusitaniae (6%), C. tropicalis (6%), C. glabrata (3%), C. famata (3%), C. pelliculosa (3%), and C. kefyr (2%). 30-day all-cause mortality was 43.6%. Recovery was statistically significantly more frequently seen following removal of a central venous catheter (67% versus 13%; p=0.004; odds ratio (OR), 14); after use of an antifungal drug on day 1 of isolation of Candida spp. from blood cultures (62% versus 13%; p=0.01; OR, 12); and that of echocandin as a first-line agent (86% versus 42%; p=0.005; OR, 8.4). The poor predictors were septic shock (5% recovery rate versus 86% in the patients without this factor; p<0.0001; OR, 0.01), granulocytopenia (42% versus 88%; p=0.001; OR, 0.1); use of amphotericin B as a first-line drug (26% versus 71%; p=0.002; OR, 0.15); hemoblastosis recurrence or resistance (39% versus 73%; p=0.01; OR, 0.24). Multivariate analysis showed the positive impact of antifungal administration on day 1 of isolation of Candida spp. from blood cultures on treatment results (p=0.03; OR, 27).

CONCLUSION

High mortality rates were noted in the patients with hemoblastoses and CE. The recovery rates were statistically significantly higher after use of echinocandin as a first-line agent, after that of an antifungal agent on day 1 of positive blood cultures, after removal of a central venous catheter, and hemoblastosis remission.

Empirical caspofungin therapy in clinical practice for suspected invasive fungal disease in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) after cytotoxic chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for life-threatening invasive fungal disease (IFD). The aim was to evaluate the characteristics, antifungal therapy and outcome of adult patients with ALL after chemotherapy or HSCT receiving caspofungin empirically in a clinical setting. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted at nine large tertiary care centres in Germany. Adult patients with ALL treated empirically with caspofungin according to the product label between 2006 and 2012 were eligible. Data were extracted as case reports. In total, 25 patients (12 males, 13 females; median age 37 years; 19 with B-ALL, 6 with T-ALL) with 28 treatment episodes because of suspected IFD (18 episodes after chemotherapy, 10 episodes after allogeneic HSCT) were included in the analysis. Empirical caspofungin therapy (median duration: 19 days, range 1-105 days) was given as first-line monotherapy in 20 (71.4%), second-line monotherapy in five (17.9%) and combination therapy in three (10.7%) episodes respectively. Therapy rated successful according to the physician's overall assessment (inflammatory parameters, clinical symptoms): 20 (95%) of 21 evaluable episodes with therapy duration of at least 8 days. Empirical caspofungin appears to be an effective therapeutic option in critically ill adult ALL patients with suspected IFD in clinical practice.

Salvage combination antifungal therapy for acute invasive aspergillosis may improve outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A meta-analysis was performed to compare mold-active triazoles or lipid amphotericin B plus an echinocandin to non-echinocandin monotherapy for acute invasive aspergillosis (IA).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases through May 2013 unrestricted by language. We included observational and experimental studies wherein patients with proven or probable IA by EORTC/MSG criteria underwent our comparative intervention. PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed and quality was assessed using the Jadad and Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. Meta-regression with fixed and random effects and sensitivity analyses were performed. The primary study outcome measure was 12-week overall mortality. The secondary outcome assessed was complete and partial response.

RESULTS

Only observational studies of primary 12-week survival showed heterogeneity (I(2)=48.96%, p=0.05). For salvage IA therapy, fixed effects models demonstrated improved 12-week survival (Peto odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-3.01) and success (Peto OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.21-3.91) of combination therapy. Significance remained after applying random effects as a sensitivity analysis (12-week survival: Peto OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04-3.46, and unchanged value for success). Restriction to high quality studies and including echinocandins as the comparator for refractory IA revealed an adjusted OR of 1.72 (95% CI 0.96-3.09; p=0.07) for global success, while the survival endpoint remained unaltered.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination antifungals for IA demonstrate improved outcomes over monotherapy in the salvage setting. Clinicians should consider this approach in certain situations.

In vitro susceptibility to amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and caspofungin of Aspergillus spp. isolated from patients with haematological malignancies in Tunisia

The resistance of Aspergillus species to antifungal is increasingly reported and the knowledge of the local epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility pattern is pivotal to define adequate treatment policies. Our study aimed to: 1) describe the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile of the Aspergillus species isolated from patients with haematological malignancies in Tunisia; 2) compare the E-test and Sensititre Yeast-One assays for the detection of paradoxical growth and trailing effect, both phenotypes commonly exhibited by Aspergillus spp. upon exposure to caspofungin and 3) to evaluate the mortality rate in patients according to the causative Aspergillus species and the antifungal treatment.

We tested amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and caspofungin against 48 Aspergillus isolates (17, A. niger; 18, A. flavus; 9, A. tubingensis; 1, A. westerdijkiae; and 1, A. ochraceus) with the E-test. Minimal inhibition concentrations were above the epidemiological cut-off values for amphotericin B in 67% of A. flavus strains; for caspofungin in 22% of A. flavus strains; and for itraconazole in 22% of A. tubingensis strains, voriconazole and posaconazole MICs were below the epidemiological cut-off values for all strains.

When exposed to caspofungin, 42% of the strains exhibited trailing effect and 38% paradoxical growth. Trailing effect occurred in 61% of A. flavus strains and paradoxical growth in 62% of Aspergillus section Nigri strains. E-test and Sensititre Yeast-One assays were only fairly concordant for the detection of these phenotypes. Repeatability of both assays was high for trailing effect but poor for paradoxical growth. The relatively high frequency of amphotericin B resistant strains makes voriconazole best adapted as a first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis from amphotericin B to voriconazole in this hospital.