How Can Hematologist-Oncologists Tackle Invasive Fungal Infections? Expert Insights from Clinical Practice

The diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in adult patients with hematological malignancies remains a challenge for hematology/oncology clinicians. In an interview with AMJ, Hana F. Safah of Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Professor of Clinical Medicine at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; and the Director of the Stem Cell Transplantation Program and the Heme Malignancy at Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, discussed the prevalence of invasive fungal infections in hematology/oncology patients, noting a 15% incidence rate in her practice. Risk factors include prolonged neutropenia, high-dose corticosteroids, environmental factors, and the use of emerging immunosuppressive therapies. The nonspecific presentation of fungal infections often hinders the timely diagnosis of invasive fungal infections. Safah highlighted the importance of a risk-adapted approach to management and treatment. She also discussed a treatment option for the management of invasive fungal infections, including clinical considerations for its use. Key unmet needs in the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections in adult hematology/oncology patients include the scarcity of rapid diagnostic tools, a limited understanding of the epidemiology of infections, and research gaps regarding treatment outcomes in diverse patient populations.