The changing spectrum of candidemia in oncology patients: therapeutic implications

Infections caused by Candida spp. are frequent and serious in oncology patients. Over the past decade, the introduction of azole antifungals as prophylactic agents, and other factors have caused a shift in the species of Candida that cause infection. During the period under review (June 1999 to June 2000), several studies have been reported that confirm the impact of antifungal prophylaxis and the emergence of non-albicans Candida spp. as pathogens. Moreover, laboratory studies to determine the antifungal susceptibilities and virulence properties of non-albicans Candida spp. have enabled the formation of microbe-specific management strategies. More of these studies will be necessary as we enter an age in which multiple antifungal compounds will become available for clinical use.