Efficacy and toxicity of intermediate-dose amphotericin B lipid complex as a primary or salvage treatment of fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies

Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 Oct;46(10):1429-35. doi: 10.1080/10428190500205486.

Abstract

We treated 74 adults with a hematological malignancy and documented or suspected invasive fungal infection (IFI) with amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) at 3 mg/kg/day. Forty-five patients (61%) received upfront therapy and 29 patients (39%) received salvage therapy for their IFI. Forty-eight of 71 evaluable patients responded [complete responses in 40 (56%) and partial responses in 8 (11%)] and 15 (21%) died as a consequence of the IFI. Response rates in invasive aspergillosis were 33 out of 49 (67%) for probable/definite cases and 6 out of 11 (55%) for invasive candidiasis. In 40 patients with neutropenia-associated IFI, rapid neutropenic recovery ( < 10 days from study entry) was essential for response to therapy (90% vs. 32%, P < 0.01). Treatment was well tolerated, with 15% infusions followed by infusion-related adverse events, nephrotoxicity in 7% of patients and 11% of withdrawals due to toxicity. These data suggest that intermediate-doses of ABLC may be of similar efficacy than higher doses with less toxicity, making it a cost-effective alternative worthy of study in future trials.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage*
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use*
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lipids / administration & dosage
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycoses / complications*
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*
  • Salvage Therapy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Lipids
  • Amphotericin B