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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:41
An Organotypic High Throughput System for Characterization of Drug Sensitivity of Primary Multiple Myeloma Cells
Published on: July 15, 2015
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections at a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in
Yanina Pasikhova1, Matthew Snyder1, Austin Morrison1
1Department of Pharmacy, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are increasingly seen in cancer patients. This study details NTM epidemiology and treatment outcomes at a cancer center, highlighting common pathogens and therapy modifications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that can cause opportunistic infections.
- The prevalence of NTM infections has been rising globally.
- Literature on NTM infections specifically in oncology patients is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of NTM infections in patients at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.
- To analyze treatment patterns and outcomes for NTM infections in this unique patient population.
- To provide insights into institutional practices for managing NTM infections in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center cohort study.
- Inclusion of adult patients with microbiologically proven NTM infections from 2020 to 2023.
- Data retrieval from electronic medical records for epidemiologic and treatment analysis.
Main Results:
- Out of 93 patients, 80% had a history of cancer.
- The most common NTM isolates were Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium abscessus group.
- Pulmonary infections were most frequent (81%); 53% of patients received therapy, often with multiple agents, and 80% required regimen modification.
Conclusions:
- This study presents one of the largest single-center epidemiologic reviews of NTM infections in oncology patients.
- It offers valuable insights into current treatment practices, including the use of dual beta-lactam therapy.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes.
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