Invasive aspergillosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a SEIFEM-2008 registry study

Impact of current clinical guidelines on the management of invasive fungal disease

Isavuconazole is a new broad-spectrum antifungal triazole with a better safety profile in terms of drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, and tolerance compared to other azoles. Increasing evidence supports the usefulness of isavuconazole in the treatment of invasive fungal diseases. In this review, we aim to analyze the influence of this new evidence on the main clinical guidelines. We reviewed the most recent consensus guidelines issued by the major infectious diseases societies worldwide, focusing on the novelties regarding the recommendations for the use of isavuconazole in different invasive fungal infections and management strategies. Isavuconazole has been included as first-line therapy for invasive aspergillosis, with slight differences in preference for voriconazole or isavuconazole depending on the clinical scenario. In mucormycosis, isavuconazole is considered an alternative first-line therapy to liposomal amphotericin B, especially in those patients with underlying renal impairment. Additionally, the use of isavuconazole is suggested in salvage scenario for both conditions, and the combination with other mold-active drugs is considered. The guidelines report the promising results obtained with the use of this drug for treating mycoses caused by other molds and rare yeasts, as well as endemic mycoses, but since solid evidence is still lacking, the recommendations in this area are generally weak. Isavuconazole is a suitable therapeutic option for invasive fungal infections, offering efficacy against a range of pathogens, including Aspergillus and fungi within the order Mucorales. Its safety profile and its favorable drug interaction profile make it a valuable alternative to traditional agents like voriconazole or liposomal amphotericin B in certain scenarios. However, continued research is essential to better understand its role in combination therapies and to assess its effectiveness against other fungal species.

Refractory versus resistant invasive aspergillosis

Despite notable progress, the management of invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains challenging and treatment failures are common. The final patient outcome is subject to multiple factors including the host (the severity of the underlying conditions), the fungus (the virulence and susceptibility pattern of the Aspergillus species involved), and the therapy (the timing related to severity of infection and choice of therapy-dose, efficacy, cidal versus static, toxicity and interaction). Consequently, assessment of failure is complex yet crucial in order to ensure appropriate management. Refractoriness in absence of drug resistance may reflect severity of the underlying disease/infection at the time of initiation of therapy prolonging time to response. It may also reflect a suboptimal antifungal drug exposure due to poor compliance, inappropriate dosing or increased drug metabolism, or it may reflect 'pseudo' failure due to worsening of imaging due to recovery of neutrophils. Refractoriness may also be related to inherent drug resistance in various Aspergillus species or acquired resistance in a normally susceptible species. The latter scenario is mostly encountered in A. fumigatus, where azole resistance is increasing and includes azole-naive patients due to resistance related to azole fungicide use in agriculture and horticulture. Although diagnostics and resistance detection have been greatly improved, the time to resistance reporting is often still suboptimal, which calls for close assessment and potentially management changes even before the susceptibility is known. In this article we address the various definitions and approaches to assessment and management of clinical refractoriness/failure in the setting of proven and probable IA.

Antifungal Stewardship in Invasive Fungal Infections, a Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a group of life-threatening diseases associated with significant morbidity, mortality and high healthcare costs. Some modern management programs known as AFS (antifungal stewardship programs) have now been developed. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the different declinations of antifungal stewardship programs (AFPs).

METHODS

Articles were systematically reviewed using the PRISMA checklist 2020. EMBASE and MEDLINE/PubMED were searched using the term "antifungal stewardship" (2012-2022 data) on 2 January 2023. Eligible studies were those that described an AFS and included an intervention, performance evaluation and outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 22/796 studies were included. Approximately two-thirds (16) were published between 2018 and 2022. 16 (72.7%) stated a minimal complete AFS team. 12 (54.5%) adopted a non-compulsory AFS approach, 6(27.3%) had an Educational AFS and 4(18.2%) a compulsory AFS. Cost analyses of 12 studies showed a decrease for 7 (31.8%) compared to an increase for 5 (22.7%). In terms of outcomes, 18 studies showed a lower (10;45.5%) or the same (8;36.4%) pre-post intervention mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

AFS programs seem to be related to lower costs and better outcomes and should thus be implemented in tandem with antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Effectiveness and safety of echinocandins combination therapy with the standard of care compared to the standard of care monotherapy for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis infection: a meta-analysis

Background

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combining echinocandins with standard of care (SOC) antifungal drugs for treating invasive aspergillosis infection (IAI).

Method

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from their inception to 25 July 2024. Our outcomes included clinical cure, mortality, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We compared echinocandins in combination with SOC antifungal agents against SOC monotherapy therapy. We used the random-effects model for the meta-analysis, and our estimated effects were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Ten studies were included in our meta-analysis comprising 1100 patients: 415 were in the echinocandin combination groups, and 685 were in the SOC groups. The clinical cure rate (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 0.75-2.42, p = 0.27), mortality (OR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.50-1.63, p = 0.73), and ADRs rate (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.49-1.82, p = 0.87) were not statistically different in echinocandins combination with SOC compared to SOC monotherapy. Notably, there is a signal for a better clinical cure rate in echinocandins in combination with SOC.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis found no differences in clinical cure and mortality rate when using combination therapy of echinocandin antifungal agents with the SOC compared to SOC monotherapy. However, there is a signal for better outcomes with the echinocandins combination group. The ADRs in the echinocandins combination group were not worse than SOC monotherapy.

A pilot study on nasal wash galactomannan as a surrogate marker for invasive aspergillosis among hematology patients in Thailand

Universal antifungal treatment has been recommended among hematology patients during chemotherapy to prevent invasive aspergillosis (IA) in developed countries, but it remains a significant challenge in resource-limited settings. Identifying at-risk individuals could enhance clinical outcomes. A prospective pilot study was conducted at four Thai tertiary care hospitals from April 2021 to January 2023, aiming to assess the correlation and the potential of nasal wash galactomannan (GM) as an IA predictor in hematology patients. It enrolled all patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) requiring induction chemotherapy and those admitted for stem cell transplantation (SCT). Nasal wash fluid samples were collected for galactomannan testing and fungal culture to assess Aspergillus spp. colonization before chemotherapy. The study included 34 AML and SCT patients. Among them, 3/34 tested positive for Aspergillus spp. colonization via nasal wash fungal culture. After six months, 18 (52.9%) patients were diagnosed with IA-15/25 patients with AML and 3/9 SCT recipients. The traditional culture did not predict IA, whereas nasal wash fluid galactomannan cutoff value of 0.46 yielded a sensitivity of 40% and a specificity of 80% for predicting probable and possible IA in patients with AML. However, in the subgroup analysis, the test did not reveal any correlation with IA development. More extensive studies are needed to validate the optimal IA risk prediction strategy.

Treatment of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Preventive and Empirical Therapy for Invasive Candidiasis in Adult Pulmonary and Critical Care Patients. An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND

The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing in immune-competent and immune-compromised patients. An examination of the recent literature related to the treatment of fungal infections was performed to address two clinical questions. First, in patients with proven or probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, should combination therapy with a mold-active triazole plus echinocandin be administered vs. mold-active triazole monotherapy? Second, in critically ill patients at risk for invasive candidiasis who are non-neutropenic and are not transplant recipients, should systemic antifungal agents be administered either as prophylaxis or as empiric therapy?

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel reviewed the available data concerning the two questions. The evidence was evaluated, and recommendations were generated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

A conditional recommendation was made for patients with proven or probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis to receive either initial combination therapy with a mold-active triazole plus an echinocandin or initial mold-active triazole monotherapy based on low-quality evidence. Further, a conditional weak recommendation was made against routine administration of prophylactic or empiric antifungal agents targeting Candida species for critically ill patients without neutropenia or a history of transplant based on low-quality evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

The recommendations presented in these Guidelines are the result of an analysis of currently available evidence. Additional research and new clinical data will prompt an update in the future.

Isavuconazole Versus Voriconazole as the First-line Therapy for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Invasive Aspergillosis: Comparative Analysis of 2 Multicenter Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Isavuconazole (ISA) and voriconazole (VORI) are recommended as the first-line treatment for invasive aspergillosis (IA). Despite theoretical advantages of ISA, both triazole agents have not been compared in solid organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of 2 retrospective multicenter cohorts of solid organ transplant recipients with invasive fungal disease (the SOTIS [Solid Organ Transplantation and ISavuconazole] and DiasperSOT [DIagnosis of ASPERgillosis in Solid Organ Transplantation] studies). We selected adult patients with proven/probable IA that were treated for ≥48 h with ISA (n = 57) or VORI (n = 77) as first-line therapy, either in monotherapy or combination regimen. The primary outcome was the rate of clinical response at 12 wk from the initiation of therapy. Secondary outcomes comprised 12-wk all-cause and IA-attributable mortality and the rates of treatment-emergent adverse events and premature treatment discontinuation.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable in their demographics and major clinical and treatment-related variables. There were no differences in the rate of 12-wk clinical response between the ISA and VORI groups (59.6% versus 59.7%, respectively; odds ratio [OR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-2.00). This result was confirmed after propensity score adjustment (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.32-2.05) and matching (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.31-2.04). All-cause and IA-attributable mortality were also similar. Patients in the ISA group were less likely to experience treatment-emergent adverse events (17.5% versus 37.7%; P = 0.011) and premature treatment discontinuation (8.8% versus 23.4%; P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Front-line treatment with ISA for posttransplant IA led to similar clinical outcomes than VORI, with better tolerability and higher treatment completion.

A review of the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections in Asian patients with hematological malignancies (2011-2021)

The incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI) is increasing, especially among patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies due to their immunocompromised nature. Other risk factors include advanced age, exposure to immunosuppressants, neutropenia, and catheter use. Some of the most common IFI organisms reported are Candida and Aspergillus species, and other fungal species, including Scedosporium, Trichosporon, Cryptococcus, and Fusarium have also increasingly been reported in the past years. However, the epidemiologic data on IFI among patients with hematological malignancies in Asian countries are lacking. Therefore, we investigated published epidemiologic data on such cases from the past 10 years (2011-2021) and discuss the challenges faced in the diagnosis and management of IFIs in Asia.

How can we optimize antifungal use and stewardship in the treatment of acute leukemia?

INTRODUCTION

The global need for antifungal stewardship is driven by spreading antimicrobial and antifungal resistance. Triazoles are the only oral and relatively well-tolerated class of antifungal medications, and usage is associated with acquired resistance and species replacement with intrinsically resistant organisms. On a per-patient basis, hematology patients are the largest inpatient consumers of antifungal drugs, but are also the most vulnerable to invasive fungal disease.

AREAS COVERED

In this review we discuss available and forthcoming antifungal drugs, antifungal prophylaxis and empiric antifungal therapy, and how a screening based and diagnostic-driven approach may be used to reduce antifungal consumption. Finally, we discuss components of an antifungal stewardship program, interventions that can be employed, and how impact can be measured. The search methodology consisted of searching PubMed for journal articles using the term antifungal stewardship plus program, intervention, performance measure or outcome before 1 January 2024.

EXPERT OPINION

Initial focus should be on implementing effective antifungal stewardship programs by developing and implementing local guidelines and using interventions, such as post-prescription review and feedback, which are known to be effective. Technologies such as microbiome analysis and machine learning may allow the development of truly individualized risk-factor-based approaches to antifungal stewardship in the future.

Revision of antifungal strategies definitions for invasive fungal infections (proven/probable/possible) in 461 patients with haematological malignancies (REDEFI-SEIFEM)

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with haematological neoplasms (HMs). Since 2002, a classification of IFI based on host factors, clinical and radiological features and mycological tests was published for research purpose.

OBJECTIVES

These criteria are widely used in clinical practice to identify patients at risk for IFI. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical applicability of EORTC/MSG 2008 criteria for the diagnosis of IFI in daily practice.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This multicentre, non-interventional, observational, prospective study gathered all consecutive inpatients with HMs in which an intravenous antifungal treatment was started. Exclusion criteria were a previous or concomitant transplant procedure, outpatient status and oral antifungal therapy. EORTC/MSG 2008 criteria were used to classify patients at the beginning of antifungal therapy and at 30 days. An independent board reviewed the classification of IFI given by local clinicians at T0 and T30.

RESULTS

The highest percentage of agreement was found for possible IFI (96%), while a lower agreement was reported for proven IFI (74%), and the highest variability was observed for probable IFI (56%). At T30, the board re-evaluation confirmed a strict agreement for possible IFI only (98%). Among 306 patients classified as possible, 156 (51%) patients showed non-typical radiological findings and 45 (15%) patients presented host factors only.

CONCLUSIONS

In real life, the EORTC/MSG criteria can be applicable only for possible IFI. As non-typical radiological findings are reported in possible IFI, introducing a new IFI category should be considered.

Compare the efficacy of antifungal agents as primary therapy for invasive aspergillosis: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several antifungal agents are available for primary therapy in patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA). Although a few studies have compared the effectiveness of different antifungal agents in treating IA, there has yet to be a definitive agreement on the best choice. Herein, we perform a network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of different antifungal agents in IA.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials databases to find studies (both randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and observational) that reported on treatment outcomes with antifungal agents for patients with IA. The study quality was assessed using the revised tool for risk of bias and the Newcastle Ottawa scale, respectively. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to summarize the evidence on antifungal agents' efficacy (favourable response and mortality).

RESULTS

We found 12 studies (2428 patients) investigating 11 antifungal agents in the primary therapy of IA. There were 5 RCTs and 7 observational studies. When treated with monotherapy, isavuconazole was associated with the best probability of favourable response (SUCRA, 77.9%; mean rank, 3.2) and the best reduction mortality against IA (SUCRA, 69.1%; mean rank, 4.1), followed by voriconazole and posaconazole. When treated with combination therapy, Liposomal amphotericin B plus caspofungin was the therapy associated with the best probability of favourable response (SUCRA, 84.1%; mean rank, 2.6) and the best reduction mortality (SUCRA, 88.2%; mean rank, 2.2) against IA.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that isavuconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole may be the best antifungal agents as the primary therapy for IA. Liposomal amphotericin B plus caspofungin could be an alternative option.

BTK inhibitor-induced defects in human neutrophil effector activity against Aspergillus fumigatus are restored by TNF-α

Inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) through covalent modifications of its active site (e.g., ibrutinib [IBT]) is a preferred treatment for multiple B cell malignancies. However, IBT-treated patients are more susceptible to invasive fungal infections, although the mechanism is poorly understood. Neutrophils are the primary line of defense against these infections; therefore, we examined the effect of IBT on primary human neutrophil effector activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. IBT significantly impaired the ability of neutrophils to kill A. fumigatus and potently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis. Importantly, exogenous TNF-α fully compensated for defects imposed by IBT and newer-generation BTK inhibitors and restored the ability of neutrophils to contain A. fumigatus hyphal growth. Blocking TNF-α did not affect ROS production in healthy neutrophils but prevented exogenous TNF-α from rescuing the phenotype of IBT-treated neutrophils. The restorative capacity of TNF-α was independent of transcription. Moreover, the addition of TNF-α immediately rescued ROS production in IBT-treated neutrophils, indicating that TNF-α worked through a BTK-independent signaling pathway. Finally, TNF-α restored effector activity of primary neutrophils from patients on IBT therapy. Altogether, our data indicate that TNF-α rescued the antifungal immunity block imposed by inhibition of BTK in primary human neutrophils.

Posaconazole versus voriconazole as antifungal prophylaxis for invasive fungal diseases in patients with hematological malignancies

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) has risen in hematologic malignancy patients due to neutropenia. While posaconazole is recommended as the first-line antifungal prophylaxis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and voriconazole is an alternative, there is currently no direct comparison data available to assess their relative effectiveness.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed eligible patient charts from January 2017 to February 2019 to identify breakthrough IFD rates, drug adverse event frequency, and drug acquisition cost in AML/MDS patients.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients received 130 chemo cycles, with 50 (38%) cycles prescribed posaconazole and 80 (62%) prescribed voriconazole as primary IFD prophylaxis. The incidence rates of IFD in the posaconazole group were 8% (4 out of 50), of which two were probable and two were possible infections, while 6.26% (5 out of 80) of patients in the voriconazole group developed IFD, with four possible infections and one probable infection (p = 0.73). A higher percentage of patients in the voriconazole group discontinued prophylaxis due to adverse events, with six patients compared to two patients in the posaconazole group (p = 0.15). The drug acquisition cost of posaconazole is 5.62 times more expensive than voriconazole.

CONCLUSION

The use of voriconazole instead of posaconazole for 130 chemo cycles would save $166,584.6. Posaconazole and voriconazole have comparable efficacy and safety in preventing IFD in AML and MDS patients receiving chemotherapy. However, posaconazole is more costly than voriconazole.

Risk Factors and Environmental Preventive Actions for Aspergillosis in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

(1) Background: Aspergillus spp. is a widely distributed filamentous fungus in the environment due to its high sporulation capacity. Currently, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most common invasive fungal infection in patients with hematologic malignancies, with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The multifactorial nature of the disease requires appropriate risk stratification to enable the most appropriate preventive measures to be adapted and implemented according to the characteristics of the patient. In this sense, the present research aims to identify recent risk factors and environmental control measures against invasive aspergillosis to establish preventive actions to reduce the incidence of invasive aspergillosis in hospitals. (2) Methods: We conducted a qualitative systematic review of the scientific literature on environmental risk factors and preventive measures for invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematologic malignancies. The Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were consulted, following the PRISMA and STROBE guidelines. (3) Results: Adequate implementation of environmental control measures is presented as the most efficient intervention in terms of prevention to decrease the incidence of invasive aspergillosis in hospitals. Neutropenia, fungal contamination, insufficient environmental control measures in hospital and home settings, length of hospital stay, and anemia, are identified as independent risk factors. We show that HEPA, LAF, and Plasmair® systems are suitable methods to reduce the concentration of airborne fungal spores. Antifungal prophylaxis did not significantly influence IA reduction in our study. (4) Conclusions: Proper professional training and environmental control measures in hospitals are essential for the prevention of invasive aspergillosis. We should optimize risk stratification for patients with hematologic malignancies. Antifungal prophylaxis should be complementary to environmental control measures and should never be substituted for the latter. Studies should also be undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of environmental control measures against IA at patients' homes.

High-Risk Neutropenic Fever and Invasive Fungal Diseases in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) still represent a relevant cause of mortality in patients affected by hematological malignancies, especially acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) undergoing remission induction chemotherapy, and in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. Mold-active antifungal prophylaxis (MAP) has been established as a standard of care. However, breakthrough IFDs (b-IFDs) have emerged as a significant issue, particularly invasive aspergillosis and non-Aspergillus invasive mold diseases. Here, we perform a narrative review, discussing the major advances of the last decade on prophylaxis, the diagnosis of and the treatment of IFDs in patients with high-risk neutropenic fever undergoing remission induction chemotherapy for AML/MDS and allo-HSCT. Then, we present our single-center retrospective experience on b-IFDs in 184 AML/MDS patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy while receiving posaconazole (n = 153 induction treatments, n = 126 consolidation treatments, n = 60 salvage treatments). Six cases of probable/proven b-IFDs were recorded in six patients, with an overall incidence rate of 1.7% (6/339), which is in line with the literature focused on MAP with azoles. The incidence rates (IRs) of b-IFDs (95% confidence interval (95% CI), per 100 person years follow-up (PYFU)) were 5.04 (0.47, 14.45) in induction (n = 2), 3.25 (0.0013, 12.76) in consolidation (n = 1) and 18.38 (3.46, 45.06) in salvage chemotherapy (n = 3). Finally, we highlight the current challenges in the field of b-IFDs; these include the improvement of diagnoses, the expanding treatment landscape of AML with molecular targeted drugs (and related drug-drug interactions with azoles), evolving transplantation techniques (and their related impacts on IFDs' risk stratification), and new antifungals and their features (rezafungin and olorofim).

The changing epidemiology of fungal infections

Invasive fungal diseases are common complications in critically ill patients and in those with significant underlying imbalanced immune systems. Fungal co-, and/or super-infections are emerging and have become a rising concern within the last few years. In Europe, cases of candidiasis and aspergillosis dominate, followed by mucormycosis in India. Epidemiological studies show an increasing trend in the incidence of all three entities. Parallel to this, a shift within the underlying fungal pathogens is observed. More non-albicans Candida infections and aspergillosis with cryptic species are on the rise; cryptic species may cover intrinsic resistance to azoles and other antifungal drugs. The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to a significantly increasing incidence of invasive fungal diseases among hospitalized patients.

Clinical outcomes of aspergillosis among paediatric and adult inpatients: A multicentre study in a Brazilian metropolitan area

BACKGROUND

Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) is a disease of significant clinical relevance, especially among immunosuppressed patients, and is associated with high mortality rates. In this study, we evaluated the epidemiological features and clinical outcomes in children and adults with IA.

METHODS

This was an observational, multicentre, prospective surveillance study of inpatients with IA at two different hospitals in Campinas, Brazil, between 2018 and 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients were identified (54.5% males), with a median age of 42 years (interquartile range (IQR):19.25-59 years, varying between 1 and 89 years). The following baseline conditions were identified: 61.4% were oncohaematological patients and 20.5% were solid organ transplant recipients. Among oncohaematological patients, 77.8% exhibited severe or persistent neutropenia. The median time between the onset of neutropenia and the diagnosis of fungal infection was 20 days (IQR: 10.5-26 days; range, 0-68 days). The interval between neutropenia onset and fungal infection was longer in paediatric than in general hospital (average, 29 vs. 13.4 days; median 26 vs 11 days; p=0.010). After the diagnosis of IA, the survival rates were 44.2% and 30.0% at 180 and 360 days, respectively. Survival was greater in patients aged ≤ 21 years (p = 0.040; log-rank test). They observed no difference in IA mortality related to COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

High mortality associated with IA was observed in both hospitals. Individuals over the age of 21 have a lower survival rate than younger patients.

Multicenter Observational Retrospective Study on Febrile Events in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Cpx-351 in "Real-Life": The SEIFEM Experience

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the absolute risk of infection in the real-life setting of AML patients treated with CPX-351. The study included all patients with AML from 30 Italian hematology centers of the SEIFEM group who received CPX-351 from July 2018 to June 2021. There were 200 patients included. Overall, 336 CPX-351 courses were counted: all 200 patients received the first induction cycle, 18 patients (5%) received a second CPX-351 induction, while 86 patients (26%) proceeded with the first CPX-351 consolidation cycle, and 32 patients (10%) received a second CPX-351 consolidation. A total of 249 febrile events were recorded: 193 during the first or second induction, and 56 after the first or second consolidation. After the diagnostic work-up, 92 events (37%) were classified as febrile neutropenia of unknown origin (FUO), 118 (47%) were classifiable as microbiologically documented infections, and 39 (17%) were classifiable as clinically documented infections. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 14% (28/200). The attributable mortality-infection rate was 6% (15/249). A lack of response to the CPX-351 treatment was the only factor significantly associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis [p-value: 0.004, OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.39]. Our study confirms the good safety profile of CPX-351 in a real-life setting, with an incidence of infectious complications comparable to that of the pivotal studies; despite prolonged neutropenia, the incidence of fungal infections was low, as was infection-related mortality.

A review of prophylactic regimens to prevent invasive fungal infections in hematology patients undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The recent introduction of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapies has improved the cure rate of hematologic patients. The implication of personalized treatment on primary antifungal prophylaxis will be discussed.

AREAS COVERED

We reviewed the literature for clinical trials reporting the rate of invasive fungal infections during targeted and cellular therapies and stem cell transplant, and the most recent international guidelines for primary antifungal prophylaxis.

EXPERT OPINION

As the use of personalized therapies is growing, the risk of invasive fungal infection has emerged in various clinical settings. Therefore, it is possible that the use of mold-active antifungal prophylaxis would spread in the next years and the risk of breakthrough infections would increase. The introduction of new antifungal agents in the clinical armamentarium is expected to reduce clinical unmet needs concerning the management of primary antifungal prophylaxis and improve outcome of patients.

Impact of treatment intensity on infectious complications in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Infectious complications reflect a major challenge in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both induction chemotherapy and epigenetic treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMA) are associated with severe infections, while neutropenia represents a common risk factor. Here, 220 consecutive and newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed with respect to infectious complications dependent on treatment intensity and antifungal prophylaxis applied to these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 220 patients with newly diagnosed AML at a tertiary care hospital between August 2016 and December 2020. The median age of AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy (n = 102) was 61 years (25-76 years). Patients receiving palliative AML treatment (n = 118) had a median age of 75 years (53-91 years). We assessed the occurrence of infectious complication including the classification of pulmonary invasive fungal disease (IFD) according to the EORTC/MSG criteria at diagnosis and until day 100 after initiation of AML treatment. Furthermore, admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and subsequent outcome was analyzed for both groups of AML patients, respectively.

RESULTS

AML patients subsequently allocated to palliative AML treatment have a significantly higher risk of pneumonia at diagnosis compared to patients undergoing induction chemotherapy (37.3% vs. 13.7%, P < 0.001) including a higher probability of atypical pneumonia (22.0% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.026). Furthermore, urinary tract infections are more frequent in the palliative subgroup at the time of AML diagnosis (5.1% vs. 0%, P = 0.021). Surprisingly, the incidence of pulmonary IFD is significantly lower after initiation of palliative AML treatment compared to the occurrence after induction chemotherapy (8.4% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001) despite only few patients of the palliative treatment group received Aspergillus spp.-directed antifungal prophylaxis. The overall risk for infectious complications at AML diagnosis is significantly higher for palliative AML patients at diagnosis while patients undergoing induction chemotherapy have a significantly higher risk of infections after initiation of AML treatment. In addition, there is a strong correlation between the occurrence of pneumonia including atypical pneumonia and pulmonary IFD and the ECOG performance status at diagnosis in the palliative AML patient group. Analysis of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment (e.g. in case of sepsis or pneumonia) for both subgroups reveals a positive outcome in 10 of 15 patients (66.7%) with palliative AML treatment and in 15 of 18 patients (83.3%) receiving induction chemotherapy. Importantly, the presence of infections and the ECOG performance status at diagnosis significantly correlate with the overall survival (OS) of palliative AML patients (315 days w/o infection vs. 69 days with infection, P 0.0049 and 353 days for ECOG < 1 vs. 50 days for ECOG > 2, P < 0.001, respectively) in this intent-to-treat analysis.

CONCLUSION

The risk and the pattern of infectious complications at diagnosis and after initiation of AML therapy depends on age, ECOG performance status and subsequent treatment intensity. A comprehensive diagnostic work-up for identification of pulmonary IFD is indispensable for effective treatment of pneumonia in AML patients. The presence of infectious complications at diagnosis contributes to an inferior outcome in elderly AML patients.

Exposure-Response Relationship of Posaconazole Suspension in Theprophylaxis of Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Purpose

Antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole has demonstrated a reduction in the risk of death due to Invasive fungal infections (IFI)in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during induction therapy. However, various factors affect the plasma levels of posaconazole and can potentially limit its efficacy. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can help optimize the dose, but literature is scant from centers with a high IFI burden. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of de-novo AML patients on induction who could achieve the target level of 700ng/mL with posaconazole prophylaxis,factors that can influence the plasma levels, and the impact of plasma posaconazole levels on incidence of IFI.

Methods

Patients with AML on induction therapy with no baseline IFI were enrolled at our tertiary cancer center which has high prevalence of IFI. These patients received posaconazole suspension as prophylaxis. Daily plasma levels were measured from Day 4 till Day 12 of posaconazole prophylaxis. All patients were monitored for the development of IFI. The data on adverse events, concomitant drugs, mucositis, vomiting, and diarrhea were recorded.

Results

A total of 411 samples from fifty patients were collected. Only 177 out of 411 samples had levels > 700 ng/mL. The median trough level was 610 ng/mL (range30-3000 ng/mL). The median time to achieve target trough concentration was four days (range 4-12 days) from the start of induction.Thirty-eight (76%) patients achieved target plasma levels by day 12 of induction.The median plasma level on day 12 was 690 ng/mL (range,30-1270) in patients who achieved target levels as compared to 340 (50-560) ng/mL in those who did not. Twenty-six (52%) patients had IFI in our study, and the median time to develop breakthrough IFI was 14 days (range 4-24 days). Median and range of plasma levels were 690 ng/ml (30-2410; n = 22) in those who developed IFI, while 590 ng/mL (50-2300 n = 24) in those who did not. The odds of developing IFI in patients who did not achieve the threshold trough concentration of 700 ng/mL was 7.14 (95% CI; 1.35-37.75, p = 0.0206). Occurrence of vomiting (p = 0.02), diarrhea (p = 0.0008), mucositis (p = 0.003) had adverse impact on achievement of target plasma posaconazole levels.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients receiving posaconazole prophylaxis fail to achieve target plasma levels which can result in high risk of development of IFI. Occurrence of diarrhea, vomiting and mucositis can adversely affect the achievement target plasma levels.

Challenges and Opportunities in Antimicrobial Stewardship among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and Oncology Patients

Antimicrobial stewardship programs play a critical role in optimizing the use of antimicrobials against pathogens in the era of growing multi-drug resistance. However, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs among the hematopoietic stem cell transplant and oncology populations has posed challenges due to multiple risk factors in the host populations and the infections that affect them. The consideration of underlying immunosuppression and a higher risk for poor outcomes have shaped therapeutic decisions for these patients. In this multidisciplinary perspective piece, we provide a summary of the current landscape of antimicrobial stewardship, unique challenges, and opportunities for unmet needs in these patient populations.

Neutropenia-related aspergillosis in non-transplant haematological patients hospitalised under ambient air versus purified air conditions

BACKGROUND

To reduce the risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA), air purification by high-efficiency particulate air filtration and laminar air flow (HEPA/LAF) is standard of care in allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation. Its use in non-transplant haematological patients is inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the incidence and outcome of pulmonary IA in non-transplant patients with life-threatening neutropenia by comparing an ambient air hospitalisation period (2008-2011) with a subsequent HEPA/LAF hospitalisation period (2012-2014).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared 204 consecutive patients with acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or aplastic anaemia completing 534 neutropenia-related hospitalisations under ambient air conditions with 126 such patients completing 437 neutropenia-related hospitalisations under HEPA/LAF conditions. IA was defined using the 2008 EORTC/MSG criteria.

RESULTS

Within a 7-year study period, we observed one 'proven', three 'probable' and 73 'possible' IAs, most often during acute leukaemia remission induction. Their frequency rose with increasing duration of life-threatening neutropenia (1-10 days, 1.8%; >40 days, 35.2%) and concomitant severe anaemia (0 days, 3.2%; >20 days, 31.0%). Multiple logistic regression revealed a strong correlation between IA incidence and hospitalisation under HEPA/LAF conditions (odds ratio [OR], 0.368 [95% confidence interval, 0.207-0.654]; p < .001) and duration of neutropenia (OR, 1.043 [1.023-1.062] per day; p < .001) and anaemia (OR, 1.044 [1.008-1.081] per day; p = .016). IA-associated fatal outcomes were non-significantly reduced under HEPA/LAF (OR, 0.077 [0.005-1.151]; p = .063). The protective effect of HEPA/LAF was not seen under posaconazole prophylaxis (OR, 0.856 [0.376-1.950]; p = .711).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of HEPA/LAF was associated with a significant reduction in neutropenia-related IA in non-transplant haematological patients.

Effect of invasive aspergillosis on risk for different causes of death in older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome

PURPOSE

Study objectives were to estimate the cumulative incidence of death due to different causes of death (CODs) and investigate the effect of invasive aspergillosis (IA) on each separate COD in a cohort of older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) included in the Haemato-Oncology Foundation for Adults in the Netherlands (HOVON) 43 randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Pre-collected data from the trial was obtained from the HOVON data center and relevant clinical information was extracted. The cumulative incidence of death due to different CODs was estimated with a competing risk model and the association between each COD and prognostic factors, including IA, were investigated with a cause-specific hazard Cox regression model.

RESULTS

In total 806 patients were included, mean age of 70 years and 55% were male. The cumulative incidences of death due to leukaemia or infection at 3, 6, 12 and 36 months were 0.06, 0.11, 0.23, 0.42 and 0.17, 0.19, 0.22, 0.25 respectively. Incidence of IA was 21% and diagnosis of IA up until the final chemotherapy cycle was associated with an increased risk of dying from leukaemia (cause-specific hazard ratio (_CSHR): 1.75, 95% CI 1.34-2.28) and a trend was seen for infection (_CSHR: 1.36, 95% CI 0.96-1.91).

CONCLUSION

Leukaemia was the most likely cause of death over time, however in the first year after diagnosis of AML or high-risk MDS infection was the most likely cause of death. Patients with IA had a relatively increased risk of dying from leukaemia or infection.

Pulmonary aspergillosis: diagnosis and treatment

Aspergillusspecies are the most frequent cause of fungal infections of the lungs with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). IPA affects immunocompromised populations, which are increasing in number and diversity with the advent of novel anti-cancer therapies. Moreover, IPA has emerged as a complication of severe influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 in apparently immunocompetent hosts. CPA mainly affects patients with pre-existing lung lesions and is recognised increasingly frequently among patients with long-term survival following cure of tuberculosis or lung cancer. The diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis is complex as it relies on the presence of clinical, radiological and microbiological criteria, which differ according to the type of pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA or CPA) and the type of patient population. The management of pulmonary aspergillosis is complicated by the limited number of treatment options, drug interactions, adverse events and the emergence of antifungal resistance.

INVASIVE FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES - A FIVE-YEAR SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are life-threatening complications of intensive chemotherapy treatment, with the incidence in pediatric patients ranging from 2% to 21%. In this article, we describe our 5-year experience of IFI in pediatric oncology patients and its clinical manifestations with radiological findings, treatment and outcome. A retrospective and descriptive survey of IFI in children with hematologic neoplasms was conducted at the Department of Oncology and Hematology, Zagreb Children's Hospital. Medical charts of children 0-17 years of age, of both sexes, treated for leukemias and lymphomas from January 2016 to December 2020 were reviewed. In a 5-year period, 60 patients were treated for hematologic malignancy, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) being the most prevalent diagnosis. IFI was verified in 9 (15%) children, predominantly in patients with ALL (75%). The specific causative agent was detected in one child, whereas other infections were classified as probable pulmonary aspergillosis. All the patients received standard prophylaxis with fluconazole and treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole. The majority of our patients achieved recovery. IFI prevention, diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge. Uniform prophylaxis and therapy protocols, as well as environmental control are of vital importance for the development of better strategies in the prevention, early detection and treatment of IFI in pediatric hematology patients.

Invasive Aspergillosis in Patients with Acute Leukemia: Comparison Between Acute Myeloid and Acute Lymphoid Leukemia

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) has not been well characterized.

OBJECTIVES

To identify potential peculiarities in the natural history, treatment response and outcome of IA diagnosed in patients with ALL and AML.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in seven tertiary-care hospitals between 2009 and 2017 of all consecutive episodes of IA occurring in adult patients with acute leukemia. Demographic characteristics, underlying disease and recent treatment, antifungal prophylaxis, neutropenia, receipt of corticosteroids, clinical and radiological findings, mycological results, antifungal therapy, and 6-week and 12-week survival were recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 77 cases of IA in 54 patients with AML and 23 patients with ALL. The majority of patients developed IA in the context of induction chemotherapy for newly diagnosed (48.0%) or relapsed (41.6%) leukemia, with no differences between ALL and AML. Lung involvement was more frequent in AML (96.3% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.06) and rhinosinusitis was more common in ALL (43.5% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.09). Galactomannan was the microbiologic documentation of IA in 76.6%, with similar patterns of positivity in AML and ALL. The 6-week survival of IA in patients with AML and ALL was 63.0% and 56.5%, respectively (p = 0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and outcome of IA in ALL patients are similar to patients with AML.

Efficacy and Safety of Caspofungin Treatment in Febrile Neutropenic Patients with Hematological Disorders: A Multicenter Consecutive Case Series

Introduction Invasive fungal infections have been attracting attention as significant fatal complications in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) who undergo intensive chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat hematological malignancies. Although clinical trials are already underway in other countries, evidence supporting the use of caspofungin (CAS) in FN patients in Japan is still insufficient. Methods A retrospective study of patients treated with CAS for FN associated with hematological diseases between April 2015 and March 2018 was conducted to determine the treatment efficacy and safety. The study was conducted as a multicenter collaboration, and the data of 52 patients who met all of the inclusion criteria were analyzed. A five-composite-endpoint method was used, and the treatment was judged to be effective when all five endpoints (defervescence during neutropenia; no breakthrough fungal infections; resolution of baseline fungal infections; a survival for seven days or more after the completion of therapy; and no discontinuation of therapy due to side effects or invalidity) were met. Results The efficacy rate was 53.8% (28/52), which is close to the average reported efficacy rate. Adverse events included liver dysfunction and electrolyte abnormalities, but no renal dysfunction or serious events were seen. Conclusion These results suggest that the use of CAS in FN patients with hematological diseases is effective and well-tolerated, and we believe that the use of CAS could become a significant treatment in Japan.

Secondary infections worsen the outcome of COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies: A report from the ITA-HEMA-COV

The impact of secondary infections (SI) on COVID-19 outcome in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) is scarcely documented. To evaluate incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of SI, we analyzed the microbiologically documented SI in a large multicenter cohort of adult HM patients with COVID-19. Among 1741 HM patients with COVID-19, 134 (7.7%) had 185 SI, with a 1-month cumulative incidence of 5%. Median time between COVID-19 diagnosis and SI was 16 days (IQR: 5-36). Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and lymphoma/plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) were more frequent diagnoses in SI patients compared to patients without SI (AML: 14.9% vs. 7.1%; lymphoma/PCN 71.7% vs. 65.3%). Patients with SI were older (median age 70 vs. 66 years, p = 0.002), with more comorbidities (median Charlson Comorbidity Index 5 vs. 4, p < 0.001), higher frequency of critical COVID-19 (19.5% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.046), and more frequently not in complete remission (75% vs. 64.7% p = 0.024). Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage were the main sites of isolation for SI. Etiology of infections was bacterial in 80% (n = 148) of cases, mycotic in 9.7% (n = 18) and viral in 10.3% (n = 19); polymicrobial infections were observed in 24 patients (18%). Escherichia coli represented most of Gram-negative isolates (18.9%), while coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most frequent among Gram-positive (14.2%). The 30-day mortality of patients with SI was higher when compared to patients without SI (69% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). The occurrence of SI worsened COVID-19 outcome in HM patients. Timely diagnosis and adequate management should be considered to improve their prognosis.

PRO: Biomarker surveillance for invasive fungal infections without antifungal prophylaxis could safely reduce antifungal use in acute leukaemia

Mould-active antifungal prophylaxis is frequently used to prevent invasive fungal infection in patients with acute leukaemia being treated with intensive chemotherapy. Invasive fungal infections are difficult to diagnose, and despite the use of prophylaxis a high proportion of patients still receive therapeutic antifungals. Antifungal medications have important interactions, can cause serious adverse events, and may drive the proliferation of antifungal resistance. The use of two biomarkers, such as galactomannan in combination with the less-specific β-d-glucan, can mitigate the risk of not detecting non-Aspergillus species, as well as improving pooled sensitivity and specificity. We argue that regular biomarkers could be used safely as part of an antifungal stewardship strategy to reduce antifungal use, by both screening for infection in patients not on prophylaxis and ruling out infection in patients treated empirically.

Let's talk about Sex Characteristics - as a Risk Factor for Invasive Fungal Diseases

Biological sex, which comprises differences in host sex hormone homeostasis and immune responses, can have a substantial impact on the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Comprehensive data on sex distributions in invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) is lacking. In this review we performed a literature search of in vitro/animal studies, clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses of invasive fungal infections. Females represented 51.2% of invasive candidiasis cases, mostly matching the proportions of females among the general population in the United States and Europe (>51%). In contrast, other IFDs were overrepresented in males, including invasive aspergillosis (51% males), mucormycosis (60%), cryptococcosis (74%), coccidioidomycosis (70%), histoplasmosis (61%), and blastomycosis (66%). Behavioral variations, as well as differences related to biological sex, may only in part explain these findings. Further investigations concerning the association between biological sex/gender and the pathogenesis of IFDs is warranted.

Successful treatment of angioinvasive aspergillosis causing diaphragmatic rupture with bowel perforation and cerebral aspergillosis in a patient with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia: A case report

RATIONALE

Throughout the clinical course of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), aspergillosis infection remains a significant determinant of treatment outcomes and survival. To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate application of integrated therapeutic approaches, we present a case of AML patient who survived through angioinvasive aspergillosis infection causing diaphragmatic rupture with bowel perforation and cerebral aspergillosis during active AML treatment.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 39-year old male with FLT3-mutated AML was transferred to our hospital due to persistent fever after induction therapy.

DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS

During voriconazole treatment for his invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, the patient was diagnosed with colon perforation at splenic flexure and suspected perforation of left diaphragm with communication with left pleural space. Although pancytopenic, emergency laparotomy was performed with granulocyte transfusion. Also, dual antifungal therapy with voriconazole and micafungin was applied. With supportive care, he was able to successfully complete 3 cycles of consolidation using tyrosine kinase inhibitor. However, 80 days after the last chemotherapy, the patient experienced seizure caused by a single 1.5 cm sized enhancing mass in the right occipital lobe. Diagnostic and therapeutic mass removal was carried out, and pathology-confirmed cerebral aspergillosis was diagnosed.

OUTCOMES

The patient's neurologic symptoms are resolved and he is leukemia free, but remains on voriconazole for his cerebral aspergillosis till this day.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case highlights the importance of timely integrated intervention and adequate underlying disease control in treatment of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Such rigorous efforts can save even the most seemingly dismal case.

A Novel Strategy to Identify Haematology Patients at High Risk of Developing Aspergillosis

Invasive Aspergillosis (IA), typically caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. IA remains a significant burden in haematology patients, despite improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of Aspergillus infection. Diagnosing IA is challenging, requiring multiple factors to classify patients into possible, probable and proven IA cohorts. Given the low incidence of IA, using negative results as exclusion criteria is optimal. However, frequent false positives and severe IA mortality rates in haematology patients have led to the empirical use of toxic, drug-interactive and often ineffective anti-fungal therapeutics. Improvements in IA diagnosis are needed to reduce unnecessary anti-fungal therapy. Early IA diagnosis is vital for positive patient outcomes; therefore, a pre-emptive approach is required. In this study, we examined the sequence and expression of four C-type Lectin-like receptors (Dectin-1, Dectin-2, Mincle, Mcl) from 42 haematology patients and investigated each patient's anti-Aspergillus immune response (IL-6, TNF). Correlation analysis revealed novel IA disease risk factors which we used to develop a pre-emptive patient stratification protocol to identify haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients at high and low risk of developing IA. This stratification protocol has the potential to enhance the identification of high-risk patients whilst reducing unnecessary treatment, minimizing the development of anti-fungal resistance, and prioritising primary disease treatment for low-risk patients.

Implementation of a clinical decision rule for selecting empiric treatment for invasive aspergillosis in a setting with high triazole resistance

World-wide, emerging triazole resistance increasingly complicates treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA). In settings with substantial (>10%) prevalence of triazole resistance, empiric combination therapy with both a triazole and liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) can be considered because of the low yields of susceptibility testing. To avoid toxicity while optimizing outcome, a strategy with monotherapy would be preferable. A newly designed treatment algorithm based on literature and expert consensus provided guidance for empiric monotherapy with either voriconazole or LAmB. Over a four and a half year period, all adult patients in our hospital treated for IA were included and patient data were collected. An independent committee reviewed the attributability of death to IA for each patient. Primary outcomes were 30- and 100-day crude mortality and attributable mortality. In total, 110 patients were treated according to the treatment algorithm. Fifty-six patients (51%) were initially treated with voriconazole and 54 patients (49%) with LAmB. Combined attributable and contributable mortality was 13% within 30 days and 20% within 100 days. Treatment switch to LAmB was made in 24/56 (43%) of patients who were initially treated with voriconazole. Combined contributable and attributable 100-day mortality in this subgroup was 21% and was not increased when compared with patients initially treated with LAmB (P = 0.38). By applying a comprehensive clinical decision algorithm, an antifungal-sparing regime was successfully introduced. Further research is warranted to explore antifungal treatment strategies that account for triazole-resistance.

LAY SUMMARY

Due to resistance of Aspergillus against triazoles, combination therapy with liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) is applied more often as primary therapy against invasive aspergillosis. This study presents the results of a decision tool which differentiated between triazole or LAmB monotherapy.

Infection risk and prophylaxis in patients with lymphoid cancer

Infections are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with lymphoid cancer. With evolving cancer therapeutics, including new targeted and immunotherapies, clinicians need to be aware of additional risk factors and infections that may arise in patients treated with these agents. This "How I Treat" article will highlight fundamental issues including risk factors for infection, infectious diseases screenings and antimicrobial prophylaxis recommendations in patients with lymphoid cancers. We present 4 scenarios of patients with lymphoid cancers with varied infections and describe a treatment approach based on a combination of evidence-based data and experience, as there are limitations in objective infection data especially with newer agents. The goal of this discussion is to provide a framework for institutions and health care providers to develop their own approach in preventing and treating infections in patients with lymphoid cancer.

Invasive aspergillosis in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia patients: Results from SEIFEM 2016-B survey

BACKGROUND

In patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (R/R AML) who received salvage chemotherapy, limited and not updated studies explored the incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and the role of antifungal prophylaxis (AP). The aims of this multicentre retrospective 'SEIFEM 2016-B' study were as follows: (1) to evaluate the current rate and the outcome of proven/probable IA and (2) to assess the efficacy of AP, in a large 'real life' series of patient with R/R AML submitted to salvage chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Of 2250 R/R AML patients, a total of 74 cases of IA (5.1%) were recorded as follows: 10 (0.7%) proven and 64 (4.3%) probable. Information about AP were available in 73/74 (99%) patients. Fifty-eight (79%) breakthrough infections occurred, mainly during AP with posaconazole [25 (43%)]. The patients who received AP during salvage chemotherapy showed a benefit from antifungal therapy (AT) than patients who did not received AP [43 (86%) vs 7 (14%); p < .033]. In a multivariate analysis, AP and absence of severe mucositis had a significant favourable effect on overall response rate.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrated that the incidence of IA during the salvage chemotherapy is similar to the past. Nevertheless, the attributable mortality rate (AMR) appears to be lower than that previously reported in R/R AML. Further prospective studies should be performed to confirm our preliminary observation and understand and the why a decreased AMR is reported in this setting of high-risk patients.

Biomarkers for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients

Blood culture methods show low sensitivity, so reliable non-culture diagnostic tests are needed to help clinicians with the introduction, de-escalation, and discontinuation of antifungal therapy in patients with suspected invasive candidiasis (IC). We evaluated different biomarkers for the diagnosis of IC in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients at risk for developing invasive fungal diseases. The specificity of Candida albicans germ-tube antibodies (CAGTA) detection was high (89%-100%), but sensitivity did not exceed 61% even after raising the cut-off from 1/160 to 1/80. We developed enzyme-linked immunoassays detecting antibodies against C. albicans proteins (Als3-N, Hwp1-N, or Met6) that resulted more sensitive (66%-92%) but less specific than CAGTA assay. The combination of 1,3-beta-D-glucan (BDG) detection and CAGTA results provided the highest diagnostic usefulness in immunocompetent patients. However, in immunocompromised patients, anti-Met6 antibodies was the best biomarker, both, alone or in combination with BDG.

Reimbursement of innovative pharmaceuticals in English and Spanish hospitals-The example of isavuconazole

BACKGROUND

Kron et al (Mycoses, 64, 2021, 86) found cost savings for the use of the innovative pharmaceutical isavuconazole in the inpatient setting in Germany (Bismarck-based healthcare system). Little is known about the reimbursement of innovative pharmaceuticals in the inpatient setting of Beveridge-based healthcare systems.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the market access process and reimbursement of isavuconazole, exemplary for innovative pharmaceuticals, in England and Spain.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Market access processes of both countries were described. Focussing on typical patient clusters for isavuconazole treatment, reimbursement data regarding inpatients with (i) allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or (ii) acute myeloid leukaemia was considered. Data were publicly available and of high topicality (England 2020/2021, Spain 2018). Discounting and a currency conversion to Euro were applied.

RESULTS

This study showed that market access processes of both countries are broadly similar. Further, full reimbursement of isavuconazole as an innovative pharmaceutical may lead to reduction in resource utilisation. Without medication costs, isavuconazole can thus result in cost savings for both patient clusters due to a reduction in length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Expenses for innovative pharmaceuticals may be balanced or even lead to cost savings due to a reduction in length of stay. The latter contributes to a greater patient benefit. For both healthcare system, the analyses highlighted drugs' cost-effectiveness and assessing its added value into reimbursement decisions is highly relevant.

Comparison of invasive fungal diseases between patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving posaconazole prophylaxis and those not receiving prophylaxis: A single-center, observational, case-control study in South Korea

Posaconazole prophylaxis is effective in decreasing the incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the use of antifungal prophylaxis varies in real-life practice, and only a small number of studies have compared the incidence of IFDs between those receiving posaconazole prophylaxis and those without prophylaxis. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of IFDs between patients with AML who received posaconazole prophylaxis and those without antifungal prophylaxis.We reviewed the medical records of adult AML patients who underwent induction chemotherapy between June 2016 and October 2019 at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, South Korea), where posaconazole prophylaxis is not administered in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms that may hinder sufficient absorption of oral prophylactic agents, and in patients with abnormal liver functions considering the possible exacerbation of adverse events. Patients who received posaconazole prophylaxis for ≥7 days were included in the prophylaxis group. Clinical characteristics and outcomes including the incidence of IFDs were compared between the 2 groups.Of the 247 patients with AML who underwent induction chemotherapy, 162 (66%) received posaconazole prophylaxis and 85 (34%) did not receive any prophylaxis. The incidence of proven/probable IFD was significantly higher in the no prophylaxis group than in the prophylaxis group (9.4% [8/85] vs 2.5% [4/162], P = .03). Of the 8 cases of IFDs in the no prophylaxis group, 7 were mold infections and 1 was invasive candidiasis. Of the 4 cases of IFDs in the prophylaxis group, 3 were mold infections and 1 was invasive candidiasis. Patients with posaconazole prophylaxis less frequently received therapeutic antifungal therapy (2.5% vs 9.4%, P = .03) and had a longer median, duration from chemotherapy to antifungal therapy compared with the no prophylaxis group (18 vs 11 days, P < .01). The rate of IFD-related mortality was similar between the 2 groups (0.6% vs 0%, P > .99).Patients with AML who received posaconazole prophylaxis had a lower incidence of breakthrough IFDs compared with those who did not receive any prophylaxis. Invasive mold infection was the most common IFD regardless of antifungal prophylaxis.

TREM1 regulates antifungal immune responses in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are responsible for Aspergillus fumigatus recognition by innate immunity and its subsequent immune signaling. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1) is a recently characterized pro-inflammatory receptor constitutively expressed on the surface of neutrophils and macrophages. A soluble form (sTREM1) of this protein that can be detected in human body fluids has been identified. Here we investigated the role of TREM1 during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). IPA patients displayed significantly higher levels of sTREM1 in bronchoalveolar lavages when compared to control patients. Functional analysis in TREM1 showed that the levels of sTREM1 and TREM1 pathway-related cytokines were influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms in TREM1. In addition, we confirmed a role of TREM1 on antifungal host defense against A. fumigatus in a murine model of IPA. TREM1 deficiency increased susceptibility to infection in the immunosuppressed murine host. Deletion of TREM1 showed delayed innate and adaptive immune responses and impaired pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. The absence of TREM1 in primary macrophages attenuated the TLR signaling by altering the expression of both receptor and effector proteins that are critical to the response against A. fumigatus. In this study, and for the first time, we demonstrate the key role for the TREM1 receptor pathway during IPA.

Outcomes of Antifungal Prophylaxis in High-Risk Haematological Patients (AML under Intensive Chemotherapy): The SAPHIR Prospective Multicentre Study

Antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) is recommended by international guidelines for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing induction chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Nonetheless, treatment of breakthrough fungal infections remains challenging. This observational, prospective, multicentre, non-comparative study of patients undergoing myelosuppressive and intensive chemotherapy for AML who are at high-risk of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs), describes AFP management and outcomes for 404 patients (65.6% newly diagnosed and 73.3% chemotherapy naïve). Ongoing chemotherapy started 1.0 ± 4.5 days before inclusion and represented induction therapy for 79% of participants. In 92.3% of patients, posaconazole was initially prescribed, and 8.2% of all patients underwent at least one treatment change after 17 ± 24 days, mainly due to medical conditions influencing AFP absorption (65%). The mean AFP period was 24 ± 32 days, 66.8% stopped their prophylaxis after the high-risk period and 31.2% switched to a non-prophylactic treatment (2/3 empirical, 1/3 pre-emptive/curative). Overall, 9/404 patients (2.2%) were diagnosed with probable or proven IFDs. During the follow-up, 94.3% showed no signs of infection. Altogether, 20 patients (5%) died, and three deaths (0.7%) were IFD-related. In conclusion, AFP was frequently prescribed and well tolerated by these AML patients, breakthrough infections incidence and IFD mortality were low and very few treatment changes were required.

Genetic Risk Surveillance for Invasive Aspergillosis in Hematology Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

The association between genetic background and the risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA) has not been addressed in Thailand. We conducted genetic risk surveillance for IA among Thai hematologic patients.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study including moderate- to high-risk hematology patients at Ramathibodi Hospital. IA occurrence, relevant clinical data, and genetic analyses were assessed. Odds ratios (ORs) of IA were assessed for the presence of the selected single nucleotide polymorphism genotype using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 357 patients were enrolled. The most common hematologic disease was non-Hodgkin lymphoma (45.1%). IA was diagnosed in 36 patients (10.10%). The C allele of IL10_rs1800896 was associated with an increased risk of IA (adjusted OR 5.297; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.032-13.809, p = 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, prolonged neutropenia and the C allele of IL10_rs1800896 were associated with IA (hazard ratio [HR] 12.585; 95% CI 3.866-40.967, p < 0.001 and HR 2.449; 95% CI 1.097-5.468, p = 0.042, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Carrying the C allele of IL10_rs1800896 was associated with an increased risk of IA among moderate- to high-risk Thai patients with hematologic diseases. This finding can potentially lead to a novel risk stratification scheme to further prevent IA in resource-limited settings.

Impact of invasive aspergillosis occurring during first induction therapy on outcome of acute myeloid leukaemia (SEIFEM-12B study)

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients are at high risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA) after first induction chemotherapy (CHT). Although IA risk factors have been identified, few data are available on impact of IA, occurring during induction phase, on overall AML outcome.

PATIENTS AND RESULTS

The end point of this multicentre, case-control, study was to evaluate whether IA, occurring after first induction CHT, can affect treatment schedule and patient's outcome. We identified 40 AML patients (cases) who developed IA during first induction phase, 31 probable (77.5%) and 9 proven (22.5%). These cases were matched with a control group (80 AML) without IA, balanced according to age, type of CHT, AML characteristics and cytogenetic-molecular risk factors. The overall response rate to induction CHT was the same in the 2 groups. In the 40 cases with IA, the overall response rate to antifungal treatment was favourable (80%) but it was significantly affected by the achievement of leukaemia complete remission (CR) with induction CHT. In fact, in cases with AML responsive to induction CHT, responses of IA to antifungal therapy were 96% compared to 21% in cases of AML not responsive to induction treatment (P < .0001). The adherence to the schedule and full doses of CHT were reported in 35% of cases (14/40) and in 76% of controls (61/80) (P = .0001; OR 6.7; 95% CI 2.7-16.6). After first induction CHT, a significant higher number of cases (15/40; 37.5%) compared to controls (9/80; 11%) could not receive additional cycles of CHT (P = .0011, OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.9-12.3). The IA-related mortality was 22.5%. The median OS of cases was significantly worse than OS of controls with a difference of 12.3 months (12.1 vs 24.4 months, P = .04). However, the occurrence of IA during first induction phase did not have a significant impact on the OS of cases who achieved a CR of AML with induction CHT which are able to proceed, despite the IA, with their therapeutic program, achieving the same OS as the control group with AML in CR (P = ns).

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that IA during first induction CHT can delay the subsequent therapeutic program and has a significant impact on OS, specifically in AML patients who did not achieved a CR of AML with the first course of CHT.

Risk of invasive fungal infections in patients with high-risk MDS and AML receiving hypomethylating agents

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a significant source of morbidity and mortality for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Given the heterogeneity of the population receiving hypomethylating agents (HMA), it is difficult for clinicians to accurately assess their patients' risk of infection. Literature on the incidence of IFI following HMA is limited to several studies of azacitidine. The primary objective of this retrospective study was to establish the incidence of IFI in HMA treated AML/MDS patients at a large U.S. comprehensive cancer center. Secondary objectives included comparing incidence of IFI among pre-specified subgroups to identify potential risk factors for IFI. Two hundred three patients with AML, intermediate to very high risk MDS or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia who received at least two cycles of HMA were included. The incidence of IFI, as defined by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer / Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group criteria, was 9.6%, with 20 IFI diagnosed following HMA (three proven, four probable, 13 possible). Among the proven cases of IFI, molds included Scedosporium and Fusarium spp. Eleven patients who developed IFIs were neutropenic upon initiating HMA. The majority (17/20) of infections occurred during the first four cycles. Given this incidence, mold-active prophylaxis can be considered in patients who are neutropenic at the start of therapy.

Incidence of Invasive Fungal Infections in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Without Antifungal Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Antifungal prophylaxis during induction for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) varies according to local rates of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). We evaluated fluconazole prophylaxis and no antifungal prophylaxis, as a natural interrupted time-series study to assess survival and infection complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified patients with AML ≥ 18 years old undergoing induction chemotherapy during 2 time periods: period 1, fluconazole prophylaxis from August 1, 2013 to September 30, 2015, and period 2, no prophylaxis from October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. The primary outcome was incidence of proven or probable IFI. Secondary outcomes included types of IFIs and 60-day overall survival (OS). IFI was defined by the 2002 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group Consensus criteria.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-four patients received induction chemotherapy over the 2 time periods. In the prophylaxis versus no-prophylaxis groups, the rate of proven or probable IFIs was 4 (5%) of 87 versus 12 (21%) of 57 (P = .01). The total number of proven IFIs was 3 (3%) of 87 versus 4 (7%) of 57 (P = .44), whereas probable IFIs were 1 (1%) of 87 versus 8 (14%) of 57 (P < .01). No difference was observed in fungemia. Incidence of IFIs was too low to detect resistance patterns. OS at 60 days was improved in with fluconazole prophylaxis compared with no prophylaxis (hazard ratio, 0.329; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.89; P = .028).

CONCLUSION

Observed rates of proven or probable IFI were lower in the fluconazole prophylaxis group versus the no-prophylaxis group. Sixty-day OS was higher with fluconazole prophylaxis. Further study is required to evaluate how fluconazole may impart the differences in survival seen in this analysis.

Low Rate of Invasive Fungal Infections During Induction and Consolidation Chemotherapy for Adults with De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia Without Anti-mold Prophylaxis: Single-Center 2002-2018 Empirical/Pre-emptive Approach

Broad-spectrum antifungal prophylaxis is currently considered the standard of care for adults with de novo AML for the prevention of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), especially invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Because fluconazole has been used in our center as anti-yeast prophylaxis, we sought to analyze in detail the incidence of IFIs over a 17-year period, as well as their impact on outcome. A standardized protocol of patient management, including serum galactomannan screening and thoracic CT-guided diagnostic-driven antifungal therapy, was used in all patients. A total of 214 consecutive adults with de novo AML who were treated in 3 CETLAM (Grupo Cooperativo para el Estudio y Tratamiento de las Leucemias Agudas y Mielodisplasias) protocols from 2002 to 2018 were included. The 90-day incidence of any IFI (including possible cases) was 11% (95% CI 4-15%), most cases occurred during induction chemotherapy (8%, 95% CI 4-12%), and most cases were probable/proven IPA (8%, 95% CI 3-13%). Developing an IFI during induction and consolidation had no impact on 1-year survival. A case-control study with 23 cases of IPA and 69 controls identified induction/re-induction chemotherapy, chronic pulmonary disease and age > 60 years/poor baseline performance status as potential pretreatment risk factors. The current study proves that inpatient induction and consolidation chemotherapy for de novo AML can be given in areas with "a priori" high-burden of airborne molds with fluconazole prophylaxis, while the selective use of anti-mold prophylaxis in patients at very high risk may further reduce the incidence of IFI in this specific clinical scenario.

Clinical Relevance and Characteristics of Aspergillus calidoustus and Other Aspergillus Species of Section Usti

The Aspergilli of section Usti (group ustus) are represented by over 20 species, of which Aspergillus calidoustus is the most relevant human pathogen. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) caused by these fungi is rare but could represent an emerging issue among the expanding population of patients with long-term immunosuppression receiving antifungal prophylaxis. Clinicians should be aware of this unusual type of IA, which often exhibits distinct clinical features, such as an insidious and prolonged course and a high occurrence of extra-pulmonary manifestations, such as skin/soft tissue or brain lesions. Moreover, these Aspergillus spp. pose a therapeutic challenge because of their decreased susceptibility to azole drugs. In this review, we outline the microbiological and clinical characteristics of IA due to Aspergillus spp. of section Usti and discuss the therapeutic options.

Knowledge at what cost? An audit of the utility of panfungal PCR performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens at a tertiary mycology laboratory

The diagnostic utility and costs of panfungal PCR assays for invasive fungal disease (IFD) from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) specimens are incompletely defined. In a retrospective audit, panfungal PCR results from 2014-2018 were matched with information on request forms and the registrar/microbiologist diary of clinical liaison. Identification of a single fungus other than a commensal was considered potentially clinically significant, and assessed for clinical relevance. Of 1002 specimens tested, an estimated 90% were requested in patients without clinical suspicion of IFD. There were 530 (52.9%) PCR-positive results of which 485/530 (91.5%) identified multiple fungal species or commensal fungi; 45 (8.5%) were clinically significant but only in 12 (1.2%) was panfungal PCR the sole diagnostic test leading to IFD diagnosis, all in immunocompromised patients with clinical suspicion of IFD. Costs of panfungal PCR tests averaged AUD 133 per test, or AUD 26,767/annum. However, the average cost-per-diagnosis achieved was AUD 15,978/annum. Limiting testing to patients at risk and with clinical suspicion of IFD, may save over AUD 13,383/annum (assuming 50-90% reduction in testing). The value-added utility of panfungal PCR on BALF is 1.2% (12/1002). We have since introduced pre-analytical stewardship limiting routine panfungal PCR testing of BALF to high-risk patients in our hospital.

Treatment of invasive fungal diseases in cancer patients-Revised 2019 Recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO)

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy. The choice of the most appropriate antifungal treatment (AFT) depends on the fungal species suspected or identified, the patient's risk factors (eg length and depth of granulocytopenia) and the expected side effects.

OBJECTIVES

Since the last edition of recommendations for 'Treatment of invasive fungal infections in cancer patients' of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) in 2013, treatment strategies were gradually moving away from solely empirical therapy of presumed or possible invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) towards pre-emptive therapy of probable IFD.

METHODS

The guideline was prepared by German clinical experts for infections in cancer patients in a stepwise consensus process. MEDLINE was systematically searched for English-language publications from January 1975 up to September 2019 using the key terms such as 'invasive fungal infection' and/or 'invasive fungal disease' and at least one of the following: antifungal agents, cancer, haematological malignancy, antifungal therapy, neutropenia, granulocytopenia, mycoses, aspergillosis, candidosis and mucormycosis.

RESULTS

AFT of IFDs in cancer patients may include not only antifungal agents but also non-pharmacologic treatment. In addition, the armamentarium of antifungals for treatment of IFDs has been broadened (eg licensing of isavuconazole). Additional antifungals are currently under investigation or in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, updated recommendations for the treatment of proven or probable IFDs are given. All recommendations including the levels of evidence are summarised in tables to give the reader rapid access to key information.

Antifungal susceptibility testing in Candida, Aspergillus and Cryptococcus infections: are the MICs useful for clinicians?

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) represent a global issue and affect various patient populations. In recent years, resistant fungal isolates showing increased azole or echinocandin MICs have been reported, and their potential clinical impact has been investigated.

AIMS

To provide an update on the epidemiology of resistance among fungi (e.g., Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cryptococcus spp.) and to offer a critical appraisal of the relevant literature regarding the impact of MICs on clinical outcome in patients with IFI.

SOURCES

PubMed search with relevant keywords along with a personal collection of relevant publications.

CONTENT

Although antifungal resistance has been associated with a poorer response to antifungal therapy in various studies, other factors such as comorbidities, septic shock and source of infection appear to be key determinants affecting the clinical outcome of patients with IFI.

IMPLICATIONS

Future international collaborative studies are required to tease out the relative contribution of in vitro antifungal resistance on patient outcomes, thus enabling the optimization of IFI management.