First-line treatment with R-CHOP or rituximab-bendamustine in patients with follicular lymphoma grade 3A-results of a retrospective analysis.

Based on centroblast frequency, follicular lymphoma (FL) is subdivided into grades 1-2, 3A, and 3B. Grade FL3A frequently coexists with FL1-2 (FL1-2-3A). Based on clinical trials, FL1-2 is treated with rituximab (R) or obinutuzumab plus bendamustine (B) or CHOP, while FL3B is treated with R-CHOP. In contrast, there are little data guiding therapy in FL3A. We present a retrospective, multicenter analysis of 95 FL3A or FL1-2-3A and 203 FL1-2 patients treated with R-CHOP or R-B first-line. R-CHOP facilitated a higher response rate (95% versus 76%) and longer overall survival (OS) (3-year OS 89% versus 73%, P = 0.008) in FL3A or FL1-2-3A, whereas the difference in progression-free survival (PFS) did not reach statistical significance. While transformation rates into aggressive lymphoma were similar between both groups, there were more additional malignancies after R-B compared with R-CHOP (6 versus 2 cases). In FL1-2, R-B achieved a higher 3-year PFS (79% versus 47%, P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference regarding OS or transformation. With the limitations of a retrospective analysis, these results suggest a benefit for R-CHOP over R-B in FL3A or FL1-2-3A. Confirmatory data from prospective clinical trials are needed.

Anti-infective vaccination strategies in patients with hematologic malignancies or solid tumors-Guideline of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Infectious complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with malignancies specifically when receiving anticancer treatments. Prevention of infection through vaccines is an important aspect of clinical care of cancer patients. Immunocompromising effects of the underlying disease as well as of antineoplastic therapies need to be considered when devising vaccination strategies. This guideline provides clinical recommendations on vaccine use in cancer patients including autologous stem cell transplant recipients, while allogeneic stem cell transplantation is subject of a separate guideline. The document was prepared by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) by reviewing currently available data and applying evidence-based medicine criteria.

Induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by radiotherapy (RT) versus cetuximab plus IC and RT in advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer resectable only by total laryngectomy-final results of the larynx organ preservation trial DeLOS-II.

Background: The German multicenter randomized phase II larynx organ preservation (LOP) trial DeLOS-II was carried out to prove the hypothesis that cetuximab (E) added to induction chemotherapy (IC) and radiotherapy improves laryngectomy-free survival (LFS; survival with preserved larynx) in locally advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer (LHSCC). Patients and methods: Treatment-naïve patients with stage III/IV LHSCC amenable to total laryngectomy (TL) were randomized to three cycles IC with TPF [docetaxel (T) and cisplatin (P) 75 mg/m2/day 1, 5-FU (F) 750 mg/m2/day days 1-5] followed by radiotherapy (69.6 Gy) without (A) or with (B) standard dose cetuximab for 16 weeks throughout IC and radiotherapy (TPFE). Response to first IC-cycle (IC-1) with ≥30% endoscopically estimated tumor surface shrinkage (ETSS) was used to define early responders; early salvage TL was recommended to non-responders. The primary objective was 24 months LFS above 35% in arm B. Results: Of 180 patients randomized (July 2007 to September 2012), 173 fulfilled eligibility criteria (A/B: larynx 44/42, hypopharynx 41/46). Because of 4 therapy-related deaths among the first 64 randomized patients, 5-FU was omitted from IC in the subsequent 112 patients reducing further fatal toxicities. Thus, IC was TPF in 61 patients and TP in 112 patients, respectively. The primary objective (24 months LFS above 35%) was equally met by arms A (40/85, 47.1%) as well as B (41/88, 46.6%). One hundred and twenty-three early responders completed IC+RT; their overall response rates (TPF/TP) were 94.7%/87.2% in A versus 80%/86.0% in B. The 24 months overall survival (OS) rates were 68.2% and 69.3%. Conclusions: Despite being accompanied by an elevated frequency in adverse events, the IC with TPF/TP plus cetuximab was feasible but showed no superiority to IC with TPF/TP regarding LFS and OS at 24 months. Both early response and 24 months LFS compare very well to previous LOP trials and recommend effective treatment selection and stratification by ETSS. Clinical trial information: NCT00508664.

Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in adult cancer patients: 2017 updated evidence-based guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Cancer patients frequently suffer from gastrointestinal complications. In this manuscript, we update our 2013 guideline on the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in adult cancer patients by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). An expert group was put together by the AGIHO to update the existing guideline. For each sub-topic, a literature search was performed in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases, and strengths of recommendation and the quality of the published evidence for major therapeutic strategies were categorized using the 2015 European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) criteria. Final recommendations were approved by the AGIHO plenary conference. Recommendations were made with respect to non-infectious and infectious gastrointestinal complications. Strengths of recommendation and levels of evidence are presented. A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients is mandatory. Evidence-based recommendations are provided in this updated guideline.

A two-arm multicenter phase II trial of one cycle chemoselection split-dose docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) induction chemotherapy before two cycles of split TPF followed by curative surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (TISOC-1).

BACKGROUND: Induction chemotherapy (ICT) with docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil (TPF) followed by radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for locally advanced head and neck cancer. This phase II study investigated the effectivity of a split-dose TPF ICT before surgery for locally advanced resectable (stage III/IVA) oral and oropharyngeal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients received TPF split on two dosages on days 1 and 8 per cycle (30 mg/m2 docetaxel, 40 mg/m2 cisplatin, 2000 mg/m2 fluorouracil per week). Responders (reduction tumor volume ≥30% after first cycle) received three 3-week cycles and non-responders only one cycle before surgery and postoperative radio(chemo)therapy (RCT). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival rate after 24 months. Secondary endpoints were amongst others overall survival, histopathological response to ICT, toxicity, quality of life and swallowing function. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (91% stage IVA, 87% male, 72% oropharyngeal cancer, 70% responders) were eligible for a per-protocol analysis. The progression-free survival rate after 24 months was 88.5% for responders and 60.6% for non-responders (P = 0.005). The overall survival rate after 24 months was 97.3% for responders and 73.7% for non-responders (P = 0.032). The rate of histopathological complete remission of the primary tumor was higher in responders (P = 0.015). High-risk classification for postoperative RCT was lower in responders (P < 0.0001). The most common grade 3+ adverse event was neutropenia in 26% of patients during ICT and mucositis in 13% during postoperative RCT. During treatment and follow-up quality of life and swallowing function was not different between responders and non-responders. CONCLUSION: Patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer responding to split-dose TPF before surgery and postoperative RCT show good oncological results. The tri-modal treatment regime was well tolerated. ICT using tumor response as criterion for duration of ICT before surgery of oral and oropharyngeal cancer merits additional investigation in a phase III study. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT01108042.

Diagnosis and empirical treatment of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in adult neutropenic patients: guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Fever may be the only clinical symptom at the onset of infection in neutropenic cancer patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy. A prompt and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approach is mandatory. A systematic search of current literature was conducted, including only full papers and excluding allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Recommendations for diagnosis and therapy were developed by an expert panel and approved after plenary discussion by the AGIHO. Randomized clinical trials were mainly available for therapeutic decisions, and new diagnostic procedures have been introduced into clinical practice in the past decade. Stratification into a high-risk versus low-risk patient population is recommended. In high-risk patients, initial empirical antimicrobial therapy should be active against pathogens most commonly involved in microbiologically documented and most threatening infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but excluding coagulase-negative staphylococci. In patients whose expected duration of neutropenia is more than 7 days and who do not respond to first-line antibacterial treatment, specifically in the absence of mold-active antifungal prophylaxis, further therapy should be directed also against fungi, in particular Aspergillus species. With regard to antimicrobial stewardship, treatment duration after defervescence in persistently neutropenic patients must be critically reconsidered and the choice of anti-infective agents adjusted to local epidemiology. This guideline updates recommendations for diagnosis and empirical therapy of fever of unknown origin in adult neutropenic cancer patients in light of the challenges of antimicrobial stewardship.

CNS infections in patients with hematological disorders (including allogeneic stem-cell transplantation)-Guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are infrequently diagnosed in immunocompetent patients, but they do occur in a significant proportion of patients with hematological disorders. In particular, patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation carry a high risk for CNS infections of up to 15%. Fungi and Toxoplasma gondii are the predominant causative agents. The diagnosis of CNS infections is based on neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid examination and biopsy of suspicious lesions in selected patients. However, identification of CNS infections in immunocompromised patients could represent a major challenge since metabolic disturbances, side-effects of antineoplastic or immunosuppressive drugs and CNS involvement of the underlying hematological disorder may mimic symptoms of a CNS infection. The prognosis of CNS infections is generally poor in these patients, albeit the introduction of novel substances (e.g. voriconazole) has improved the outcome in distinct patient subgroups. This guideline has been developed by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) with the contribution of a panel of 14 experts certified in internal medicine, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, intensive care, neurology and neuroradiology. Grades of recommendation and levels of evidence were categorized by using novel criteria, as recently published by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

[Specific infections in organ transplantation]. / Spezifische Infektionen bei Organtransplantationen.

This article is concerned with the important topic of infections associated with organ transplantation and includes a discussion on four subtopics. The first section describes the current options in the prevention and therapy of viral hepatitis in association with liver transplantation. Infections with hepatitis B, C, D (delta) and E are discussed with special emphasis on the interferon-free treatment of hepatitis C with the new antiviral drugs.The second section deals with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections following lung transplantation (LuTx), which is one of the most frequently detected pathogens in the airway after LuTx. Patients with cystic fibrosis are particularly affected. This is important because studies have shown a clear correlation between chronic PA infections after LuTx and development of chronic transplant failure. Even if the data are still sparse, recommendations on prevention and therapeutic strategies are given. The theme of the third section is the high importance of viral infections after kidney transplantation. In addition to acquired infections, the transplanted organ as well as the recipient can be the source of the infection. The better the transplanted organ is tolerated under moderate immunosuppression, the less common and severe virus infections are. The focus of this section is on three common pathogens: cytomegalovirus, polyomavirus BK and hepatitis viruses.The final section deals with Aspergillus infections following transplantation of various organs. In this context Aspergillus spp. are one of the most commonly occurring fungal diseases. The epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapy of invasive aspergillosis are presented.

Diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of lung infiltrates in febrile neutropenic patients (allogeneic SCT excluded): updated guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Up to 25% of patients with profound neutropenia lasting for >10 days develop lung infiltrates, which frequently do not respond to broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. While a causative pathogen remains undetected in the majority of cases, Aspergillus spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii, multi-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, mycobacteria or respiratory viruses may be involved. In at-risk patients who have received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) prophylaxis, filamentous fungal pathogens appear to be predominant, yet commonly not proven at the time of treatment initiation. Pathogens isolated from blood cultures, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or respiratory secretions are not always relevant for the etiology of pulmonary infiltrates and should therefore be interpreted critically. Laboratory tests for detecting Aspergillus galactomannan, ß-D-glucan or DNA from blood, BAL or tissue samples may facilitate the diagnosis; however, most polymerase chain reaction assays are not yet standardized and validated. Apart from infectious agents, pulmonary side-effects from cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy or pulmonary involvement by the underlying malignancy should be included into differential diagnosis and eventually be clarified by invasive diagnostic procedures. Pre-emptive treatment with mold-active systemic antifungal agents improves clinical outcome, while other microorganisms are preferably treated only when microbiologically documented. High-dose TMP/SMX is first choice for treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia, while cytomegalovirus pneumonia is treated primarily with ganciclovir or foscarnet in most patients. In a considerable number of patients, clinical outcome may be favorable despite respiratory failure, so that intensive care should be unrestrictedly provided in patients whose prognosis is not desperate due to other reasons.

Mito-FLAG with Ara-C as bolus versus continuous infusion in recurrent or refractory AML--long-term results of a prospective randomized intergroup study of the East German Study Group Hematology/Oncology (OSHO) and the Study Alliance Leukemia (SAL).

BACKGROUND: For patients with primary refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), no treatment of choice has until now been defined to date. Cytarabine (Ara-C) is a key drug in the treatment of AML patients, there is still uncertainly regarding its optimal dose and infusion schedule. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the Ara-C infusion schedule used as part of an intensive salvage regimen, in patients with relapsed or refractory AML. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 252 adult patients (median age 59 years) with relapsed or refractory AML were randomly allocated to receive either Mito-FLAG with Ara-C as bolus (B) (1000 mg/m(2) over 1 h, every 12 h, days 1-5), or continuous infusion (CI) (150 mg/m(2) over 24 h, days 1-5) in combination with mitoxantrone, fludarabine, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation was offered as consolidation therapy. Primary end point was the rate of complete remissions (CRs) after the first cycle of Mito-FLAG. RESULTS: The CR rates after Mito-FLAG (B) and Mito-FLAG (CI) were 54% and 43%, respectively (P = 0.1). There was no statistical difference between rates of grade 3/4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, renal, and liver toxicity. More infections occurred, however, after Mito-FLAG (B) compared with Mito-FLAG (CI) (80% versus 69%, P = 0.01). The early death rate by day 42 was 13% in both arms. Median disease-free survival was comparable in the two arms (7.8 versus 7.1 months, P = 0.53) as was overall survival (7.1 versus 6.6 months, P = 0.53). CONCLUSION: A 5-day course of Ara-C 2 × 1000 mg/m(2) administered as bolus versus Ara-C 150 mg/m(2) administered by CI (in combination with mitoxantrone, fludarabine, and G-CSF), resulted in a nonsignificant trend in response rates in favor of Mito-FLAG (B) at the selected dose levels, but no differences in the survival outcome in relapsed or refractory AML. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: LN_NN_2004_39/EudraCT number 2014-000083-18.

Prophylaxis of infectious complications with colony-stimulating factors in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy-evidence-based guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Working Party AGIHO of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

BACKGROUND: Current evidence on myelopoietic growth factors is difficult to overview for the practicing haematologist/oncologist. International guidelines are sometimes conflicting, exclude certain patient groups, or cannot directly be applied to the German health system. This guideline by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) gives evidence-based recommendations for the use of G-CSF, pegylated G-CSF, and biosimilars to prevent infectious complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, including those with haematological malignancies. METHODS: We systematically searched and evaluated current evidence. An expert panel discussed the results and recommendations. We then compared our recommendations to current international guidelines. RESULTS: We summarised the data from eligible studies in evidence tables, developed recommendations for different entities and risk groups. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive literature search and expert panel consensus confirmed many key recommendations given by international guidelines. Evidence for growth factors during acute myeloid leukaemia induction chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim use in haematological malignancies was rated lower compared with other guidelines.

Central venous catheter-related infections in hematology and oncology: 2012 updated guidelines on diagnosis, management and prevention by the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients are at increased risk for central venous catheter-related infections (CRIs). Thus, a comprehensive, practical and evidence-based guideline on CRI in patients with malignancies is warranted. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A panel of experts by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) has developed a guideline on CRI in cancer patients. Literature searches of the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases were carried out and consensus discussions were held. RESULTS: Recommendations on diagnosis, management and prevention of CRI in cancer patients are made, and the strength of the recommendation and the level of evidence are presented. CONCLUSION: This guideline is an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis, management and prevention of CRI in cancer patients.

Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in adult cancer patients: evidence-based guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO).

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients frequently suffer from gastrointestinal complications. However, a comprehensive, practical and evidence-based guideline on this issue is not yet available. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An expert group was put together by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO) to develop a guideline on gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients. For each subtopic, a literature search was carried out in PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases and the strength of recommendation and the quality of the published evidence for major therapeutic strategies were categorized using a modification of the 'Infectious Diseases Society of America' criteria. Consensus discussions were held on each of the topics. RESULTS: Recommendations were made with respect to non-infectious and infectious gastrointestinal complications. For all recommendations, the strength of the recommendation and the level of evidence are presented. CONCLUSION: This guideline is an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients.

Primary prophylaxis of bacterial infections and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors : guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO).

Bacterial infections are the most common cause for treatment-related mortality in patients with neutropenia after chemotherapy. Here, we discuss the use of antibacterial prophylaxis against bacteria and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in neutropenic cancer patients and offer guidance towards the choice of drug. A literature search was performed to screen all articles published between September 2000 and January 2012 on antibiotic prophylaxis in neutropenic cancer patients. The authors assembled original reports and meta-analysis from the literature and drew conclusions, which were discussed and approved in a consensus conference of the Infectious Disease Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (AGIHO). Antibacterial prophylaxis has led to a reduction of febrile events and infections. A significant reduction of overall mortality could only be shown in a meta-analysis. Fluoroquinolones are preferred for antibacterial and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for PCP prophylaxis. Due to serious concerns about an increase of resistant pathogens, only patients at high risk of severe infections should be considered for antibiotic prophylaxis. Risk factors of individual patients and local resistance patterns must be taken into account. Risk factors, choice of drug for antibacterial and PCP prophylaxis and concerns regarding the use of prophylactic antibiotics are discussed in the review.

Immediate versus deferred empirical antifungal (IDEA) therapy in high-risk patients with febrile neutropenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

Empirical antifungal therapy is widely used in high-risk neutropenic hematology patients with fever persisting for more than 4 days. This clinical trial assessed whether immediate empirical therapy with voriconazole could lower the rates of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) compared with this approach. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients were randomized to broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy plus voriconazole (immediate) or placebo (deferred) after the onset of neutropenic fever. If fever persisted for 96 h, patients were switched to open-label intravenous voriconazole; oral treatment was permitted after 96 h. The primary endpoint was the rate of proven/probable IFIs between Days 2 and 28 after fever onset in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) complete-case population. One hundred and forty-seven patients were randomized to immediate (n = 81) or deferred (n = 66) voriconazole. In the mITT population, six patients in the immediate group and nine in the deferred group developed proven/probable IFI between Days 2 and 28 (p = 0.258). The safety profiles were similar in both groups. While immediate empirical therapy with voriconazole appears to be safe in febrile neutropenic high-risk patients, it was not associated with a significant reduction in IFIs compared with therapy deferred for 96 h after fever onset.

Diagnosis of invasive fungal infections in hematology and oncology--guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Working Party in Haematology and Oncology of the German Society for Haematology and Oncology (AGIHO).

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Establishing a definite diagnosis of IFI in immunocompromised patients is particularly challenging and time consuming, but delayed initiation of antifungal treatment increases mortality. The limited overall outcome has led to the strategy of initiating either 'empirical' or 'preemptive' antifungal therapy before the final diagnosis. However, diagnostic procedures have been vastly improved in recent years. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of newer imaging techniques and non-culture methods, including antigen-based assays, metabolite detection and molecular detection of fungal DNA from body fluid samples. Though varying widely in cancer patients, the risk of IFI is highest in those with allogeneic stem cell transplantation and those with acute leukemia. The AGIHO presents recommendations for the diagnosis of IFIs with risk-adapted screening concepts for febrile episodes in patients with haemato-oncological disorders.

Long-term follow-up of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation and response-adapted whole-brain radiotherapy for newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma: results of the multicenter Ostdeutsche Studiengruppe Hamatologie und Onkologie OSHO-53 phase II study.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported the results of a phase II study for patients with newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma treated with autologous peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation (aPBSCT) and response-adapted whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Now, we update the initial results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2004, 23 patients received high-dose methotrexate. In case of at least partial remission, high-dose busulfan/thiotepa (HD-BuTT) followed by aPBSCT was carried out. Patients refractory to induction or without complete remission after HD-BuTT received WBRT. Eight patients still alive in 2011 were contacted and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 were carried out. RESULTS: Of eight patients still alive, median follow-up is 116.9 months. Only one of nine irradiated patients is still alive with a severe neurologic deficit. In seven of eight patients treated with HD-BuTT, health condition and quality of life are excellent. MMSE and QLQ-C30 showed remarkably good results in patients who did not receive WBRT. All of them have a Karnofsky score of 90%-100%. CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up shows an overall survival of 35%. In six of seven patients where WBRT could be avoided, no long-term neurotoxicity has been observed and all patients have an excellent quality of life.

Pharmacology and metabolism of voriconazole and Posaconazole in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis: review of the literature.

Invasive fungal infections, predominantly aspergillosis and candidiasis, are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Primarily, patients with acute leukemia undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients are affected. Up to 60% of patients with invasive aspergillosis, the most common invasive mycosis among patients with hematologic malignancies, may still die of their infection, once it has become clinically overt. The spectrum of antifungal agents for clinical use now has expanded over the past ten years and includes the novel class of the echinocandins and two newer generation triazoles with an extended spectrum of activity against a wide range of fungal pathogens. This review will address pharmacological characteristics of the two broad-spectrum antifungal azoles, voriconazole and Posaconazole, which are important for their proper use in clinical practice.

Forty-one recent cases of invasive zygomycosis from a global clinical registry.

BACKGROUND: Invasive zygomycosis accounts for a significant proportion of all invasive fungal diseases (IFD), but clinical data on the clinical course and treatment response are limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fungiscope-A Global Rare Fungal Infection Registry is an international university-based case registry that collects data of patients with rare IFD, using a web-based electronic case form at www.fungiscope.net. RESULTS: Forty-one patients with invasive zygomycosis from central Europe and Asia were registered. The most common underlying conditions were malignancies (n = 26; 63.4%), diabetes mellitus (n = 7; 17.1%) and solid organ transplantation (n = 4; 9.8%). Diagnosis was made by culture in 28 patients (68.3%) and by histology in 26 patients (63.4%). The main sites of infection were the lungs (n = 24; 58.5%), soft tissues (n = 8; 19.5%), rhino-sinu-orbital region (n = 8; 19.5%) and brain (n = 6; 14.6%). Disseminated infection of more than one non-contiguous site was seen in six patients (14.6%). Mycocladus corymbifer was the most frequently identified species (n = 10, 24.4%). A favourable response was observed in 23 patients (56.1%). Overall survival was 51.2% (n = 21). At diagnosis, four patients (9.8%) were on continuous antifungal prophylaxis with itraconazole (n = 1; 2.4%) or posaconazole (n = 3; 7.3%). Initial targeted treatment with activity against zygomycetes was administered to 34 patients (82.9%). Liposomal amphotericin B was associated with improved response (P = 0.012) and survival rates (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Pathogen distribution and, consequently, drug susceptibility seem to vary across different geographic regions. Furthermore, protection from invasive zygomycosis for patients on posaconazole prophylaxis is not absolute. Our findings indicate that the use of liposomal amphotericin B as first-line treatment for patients diagnosed with zygomycoses merits further investigation, preferably in the form of a clinical trial.