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Evolution of antifungal agents: past, present, and future
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Recent advances in antifungal chemotherapy include organism-derived and synthetic drugs. Amphotericin B remains key for deep fungal infections, while newer azoles like itraconazole show promise for various mycoses.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antifungal chemotherapy has seen significant advancements.
- Current treatments include organism-derived (e.g., amphotericin B) and synthetic drugs.
- Amphotericin B is a primary systemic antifungal despite toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in antifungal chemotherapy.
- To discuss the evolution and efficacy of antifungal agents.
- To explore future trends in antifungal drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antifungal agents.
- Analysis of drug classes: polyenes, flucytosine, azoles.
- Discussion of clinical applications and limitations.
Main Results:
- Amphotericin B is crucial for deep mycoses.
- Griseofulvin and flucytosine have specific applications.
- Azoles, particularly ketoconazole and itraconazole, represent a newer generation of oral antifungals.
Conclusions:
- Itraconazole is effective for superficial and deep mycoses.
- Future research focuses on fungicidal agents with broader spectra and improved distribution.
- Combination therapy with immunotherapy may benefit immunocompromised patients.