The use of caspofungin in HIV-infected individuals

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2007 Jun;16(6):899-908. doi: 10.1517/13543784.16.6.899.

Abstract

Fungal infections are a significant cause of HIV-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in the developing world, but also in countries with access to highly active antiretroviral therapy. New agents are essential to improve present efficacy rates, particularly in cases of drug resistance. Caspofungin is a new antifungal from the echinocandin class and is licensed for the treatment of candidal infections and as a second-line therapy for invasive aspergillosis. In this paper, the pharmacology, interaction and susceptibility data for this agent are reviewed and studies supporting the use of this agent in HIV-infected individuals are examined. Finally, evidence for the use of caspofungin for the treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, an unlicensed indication, including a case series from our own unit is explored.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aspergillosis / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Caspofungin
  • Drug Interactions
  • Echinocandins
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lipopeptides
  • Peptides, Cyclic / adverse effects
  • Peptides, Cyclic / pharmacokinetics
  • Peptides, Cyclic / pharmacology
  • Peptides, Cyclic / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Echinocandins
  • Lipopeptides
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Caspofungin