Is there a role for polyenes in treating invasive mycoses?
OBJECTIVE
This is a clinical review on the current role of polyene antifungals in the treatment of invasive fungal infections. It is timely and relevant because the number of new antifungals being developed has never been greater than today. In addition to re-examining the landmark clinical trials of the past, the more recent findings are put into perspective. The past year has been particularly rich in clinical trials.


RESULTS
The main topics of this review are invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis, and the so-called rare fungal infections: zygomycosis, fusariosis, cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Practical implications of the recent developments are the almost complete replacement of amphotericin B deoxycholate by lipid-based formulations; antifungal efficacy without compromising safety; and treatment choices for infections previously considered untreatable.
Cornely
Oliver A
OA
First Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology/Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne, Köln, Germany. oliver.cornely@uni-koeln.de
Vehreschild
Jörg-Janne
JJ
Ullmann
Andrew J
AJ
D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011090:Polyenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D011090:Polyenes; D000666:Amphotericin B