Supplement: Trends in invasive Candida infections and their treatment: focus on echinocandins

Online Summary

This in-journal supplement brings together material that forms the components of a CME/CPE-accredited educational program and consists of three review articles, preceded by Program Information and followed by a CPE questionnaire and CPE activity evaluation.

The three review articles together provide an overview of the changing trends in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of invasive fungal infections, candidemia in particular. The first article is a review of the role of pharmacotherapy, including the current antifungal treatment options for first-line therapy, is presented with a focus on the safety and efficacy of echinocandins. The differences in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties among echinocandins are explored in the second review article, particularly as a means to differentiate among the various agents. Finally, a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of echinocandins is presented in the third review article as a guide to formulary decisions. The supplement is in part based on a closed roundtable meeting that was held August 29, 2008 in New York, NY.