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.