Research Keyword: hematologic malignancy

Endogenous Endophthalmitis: An underestimated serious complication in patients with disseminated fusariosis

An 18-year-old cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy developed a serious infection with Fusarium, a mold that spread throughout his body including to his eyes, causing vision problems. Doctors treated him with a combination of antifungal medications given both systemically and directly injected into his eyes. Although the infection was controlled and his life was saved, he lost most of his vision in both eyes but was able to keep them rather than requiring removal.

Read More »

Fungal Pneumonia and Severe Neutropenia: Risk Factors for Increased 90 Day Mortality

This study examined 39 cancer patients with severe fungal lung infections treated at a major cancer center. Patients who received antifungal treatment within 7 days and started with a specific drug called liposomal amphotericin B had better survival rates at 90 days. The research suggests that quick diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation are critical for improving survival in immunocompromised patients with fungal pneumonia.

Read More »

Endogenous Endophthalmitis: An underestimated serious complication in patients with disseminated fusariosis

An 18-year-old leukemia patient developed a serious fungal eye infection from Fusarium during cancer treatment. The infection spread through the bloodstream to both eyes, causing serious inflammation and vision loss. Doctors treated it with multiple antifungal medications injected directly into the eyes along with systemic medication, which controlled the infection but unfortunately the patient’s vision was significantly affected. This case highlights how rare but serious eye infections can occur in cancer patients with weakened immune systems.

Read More »

Cellular Composition of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies and Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Significant Associations with Peripheral Blood Cell Counts

Researchers studied lung fluid samples from cancer patients with a serious fungal lung infection called invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. They found that blood cell counts in the lungs correlated with blood cell counts overall, but surprisingly, the cell composition in lung fluid did not predict patient survival. The study highlights that doctors need better ways to assess the lung’s immune response to this serious fungal infection beyond just counting cells.

Read More »

Invasive Fungal Disease is Rare in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with BCMA CAR-T Therapy

Researchers studied 234 multiple myeloma patients who received a cutting-edge cancer treatment called BCMA CAR-T therapy. While this therapy can cause serious side effects related to immune system activation, the study found that dangerous fungal infections were surprisingly rare, occurring in only 1.7% of patients. However, when fungal infections did occur in these patients, they tended to be severe and life-threatening, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of high-risk patients.

Read More »

Endogenous Endophthalmitis: An underestimated serious complication in patients with disseminated fusariosis

An 18-year-old boy with acute leukemia developed a serious fungal infection caused by Fusarium mold that spread throughout his body, including to both eyes. Despite receiving intensive antifungal medications injected directly into his eyes along with systemic treatment, he lost his vision. However, through aggressive combined therapy, doctors were able to save both eyes and continue his cancer treatment successfully.

Read More »

Masquerading Yeast: A Case Report of Lomentospora prolificans Fungemia With a Diagnostic Twist

This case describes a patient with blood cancer who developed a rare and deadly mold infection called Lomentospora prolificans while receiving cancer treatment. The infection was difficult to diagnose initially because the fungal structures looked similar to yeast under the microscope, and a molecular test gave a false positive result for a different fungus. Unfortunately, the infection was resistant to all available antifungal medications and the patient died.

Read More »

Incidence And Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infections in Pre-Transplant and Transplant-Ineligible Multiple Myeloma in the U.S.: A Claims Analysis (2017-2021)

This study examined fungal infections in patients with multiple myeloma who were not eligible for or preparing for stem cell transplants. Researchers found that 6% of these patients developed invasive fungal infections, with yeast infections being the most common type. The risk of these infections was significantly higher in patients taking dexamethasone (a steroid) or those with low white blood cell counts and those receiving multiple cancer therapies.

Read More »

Invasive Cutaneous Mucormycosis in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Obinutuzumab, Idelalisib, and Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Degrader: A Case Report

A 74-year-old man with leukemia developed a serious fungal infection (mucormycosis) on his ankle while taking cancer-fighting drugs. The infection was diagnosed through tissue biopsy examination rather than standard culture tests. Treatment required both powerful antifungal medications and surgical removal of the infected leg below the knee. The patient recovered successfully after this aggressive treatment approach.

Read More »
Scroll to Top