Antifungal prophylaxis during treatment for haematological malignancies: Are we there yet?

Abstract

Antifungal prophylaxis during treatment for haematological malignancies has been studied for 50years, yet it has not been wholly effective even when using antifungal drugs that exhibit potent activity in vitro against a broad range of fungal pathogens. Trials have demonstrated that it can reduce the incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) and fungal deaths, but only two studies have had an impact on overall mortality. Furthermore, it has not significantly reduced the need for empirical antifungal therapy. Posaconazole was effective in preventing invasive aspergillosis in two studies of high-risk patients, and consensus guidelines grade it as a suitable choice for antifungal prophylaxis o..