Prognostic value of galactomannan: current evidence for monitoring response to antifungal therapy in patients with invasive aspergillosis.
Galactomannan (GM) is a polysaccharide present in the cell wall of Aspergillus spp. that is released during growth of the organism. It has been successfully used to aide in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis allowing for earlier recognition of disease compared to conventional methods. Since its implementation in the clinic as a diagnostic tool, GM has been used in experimental models to measure therapeutic response. Several clinical studies describe the prognostic value of GM. Herein, we review the evidence supporting the utilization of GM antigen as a biomarker to measure response to systemic antifungal therapy.
Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA. laura.kovanda@astellas.com.|Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. laura.kovanda@astellas.com.
Laura L
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4493-4652
LL
Kovanda
Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA.
Amit V
AV
Desai
Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
William W
WW
Hope
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D005690:Galactose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D006801:Humans; D008351:Mannans / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D008351:Mannans; C012990:galactomannan; D005690:Galactose
Antifungal; Aspergillosis; Biomarker; Galactomannan; Prognostic tool