Zeitschrift für Onkologie, Medizin und Praxis

Comparing the Clinical Efficacy of Posaconazole and Fluconazole as Antifungal Prophylaxis in the Field of Hematology

Abstract

Seid Jafari

This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of posaconazole and fluconazole as antifungal prophylaxis in the field of hematology. Antifungal prophylaxis plays a crucial role in preventing invasive fungal infections, which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) or intensive chemotherapy. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies comparing the clinical outcomes of posaconazole and fluconazole prophylaxis in hematology patients. The primary endpoints assessed were the incidence of IFIs, overall survival, and adverse events associated with each antifungal agent. The results of the reviewed studies demonstrated that posaconazole had superior efficacy compared to fluconazole in preventing IFIs in hematology patients. Posaconazole prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower incidence of IFIs, including invasive aspergillosis and candidiasis, when compared to fluconazole. Additionally, posaconazole showed a favorable impact on overall survival, suggesting its potential as a more effective antifungal prophylactic agent in this patient population.