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Is there a role for polyenes in treating invasive mycoses?
Oliver A Cornely1, Jörg-Janne Vehreschild, Andrew J Ullmann
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology/Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, Köln, Germany. oliver.cornely@uni-koeln.de
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|November 1, 2006
Summary
Polyene antifungals are crucial for treating invasive fungal infections, with new lipid formulations offering improved safety and efficacy. This review examines their role in candidiasis, aspergillosis, and rare fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The landscape of antifungal drug development is rapidly expanding.
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant global health challenge.
- Polyene antifungals remain a cornerstone in managing IFIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current clinical applications of polyene antifungals in treating IFIs.
- To contextualize recent clinical trial findings within the historical use of polyenes.
- To highlight advancements in polyene antifungal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of landmark and recent clinical trials.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for various invasive fungal infections.
- Evaluation of safety and efficacy profiles of different polyene formulations.
Main Results:
- Invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis are key areas of focus.
- Rare fungal infections, including zygomycosis and cryptococcosis, are also discussed.
- Lipid-based polyene formulations are increasingly replacing older versions due to better safety.
Conclusions:
- Lipid formulations of amphotericin B have largely superseded amphotericin B deoxycholate.
- Modern polyene antifungals provide effective treatment with an improved safety profile.
- Treatment options for previously intractable fungal infections have significantly improved.
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