Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells
Published on: April 2, 2021
Caspofungin for post solid organ transplant invasive fungal disease: results of a retrospective observational study
M Winkler1, J Pratschke, U Schulz
1Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplanationschirurgie, Hannover, Germany. winkler.michael@mh-hannover.de
Objective:
This study was designed to determine clinical outcomes with caspofungin in patients with proven or probable invasive fungal infection (IFI) after a solid organ transplant (SOT) procedure.
Methods:
In this retrospective observational study, data were collected for a single episode of IFI in patients with an SOT between January 2004 and June 2007. Response was determined by the investigator as favorable (complete or partial) or unfavorable (stable disease or failure) at the end of caspofungin therapy (EOCT). The primary effectiveness population was the proportion of patients who received >or=5 doses of caspofungin (modified all-patients-treated population). Safety was assessed for patients who received >or=1 dose of caspofungin.
Results:
A total 81 of patients from 13 sites in China, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom were enrolled, including 49 (60%) liver, 22 (27%) heart, 5 (6%) lung, 2 (2%) kidney, 2 (2%) liver and kidney, and 1 (1%) pancreas and kidney recipients. Candidiasis was diagnosed in 64/81 patients (79%) and aspergillosis in 22/81 patients (27%). Most patients received caspofungin monotherapy (75%). Caspofungin was given as first-line therapy to 59 (73%) patients. The overall favorable response at EOCT was 87% (58/67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 76%, 94%), with favorable responses in 88% (43/49; 95% CI: 75%, 95%) of patients receiving caspofungin monotherapy and 83% (15/18; 95% CI: 59%, 96%) of patients receiving combination therapy with caspofungin (modified all-patients-treated population). Response by type of SOT was as follows: liver 87% (39/45), heart 93% (14/15), kidney 100% (5/5), and lung 50% (2/4). An overall survival rate (all-patients-treated) of 69% (56/81; 95% CI: 59%, 79%) was observed at 7 days post EOCT. No serious drug-related adverse events were reported.
Conclusion:
In this study, caspofungin was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of IFIs involving SOT recipients.
Insights
Caspofungin demonstrated high effectiveness and safety in treating invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The study found a high overall favorable response rate, indicating its value in this patient population.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant threat to solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.
- Echinocandins, including caspofungin, are crucial in managing IFIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of caspofungin treatment for IFIs in SOT recipients.
- To assess the effectiveness and safety of caspofungin in this immunocompromised patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 81 SOT patients with proven or probable IFI.
- Data collected between January 2004 and June 2007.
- Response assessed at the end of caspofungin therapy (EOCT); safety evaluated for patients receiving at least one dose.
Main Results:
- Overall favorable response rate was 87% (58/67) at EOCT.
- High response rates observed with caspofungin monotherapy (88%) and combination therapy (83%).
- No serious drug-related adverse events were reported, indicating good tolerability.
Conclusions:
- Caspofungin is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for IFIs in SOT recipients.
- The findings support the use of caspofungin in managing fungal infections post-transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Antifungal Agents
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
01:20Candidiasis