Fungal infections in neutropenic cancer patients.
Invasive fungal infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients with prolonged neutropenia following chemotherapy. Recent trends indicate a change toward infections by Aspergillus species, non-albicans species of Candida, and previously uncommon fungal pathogens. These have decreased susceptibility to current antifungal agents. In the last decade there has been much effort to find solution for these changing trends. This article reviews current approaches to prevention and treatment of opportunistic fungal infections in postchemotherapy neutropenic patients and discusses future antifungal approaches and supportive methods.
Parvez
Tariq
T
Department of Oncology, King Fahad Hospital, Al-Madina Al-Munawra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. tariq_parvez52@hotmail.com
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016469:Fungemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis
D000935:Antifungal Agents