Caspofungin for treatment of invasive aspergillus infections.

Invasive aspergillosis showed an increasing incidence during the last decades. Especially for immune-suppressed haematological patients as well as for solid organ transplant recipients, this infection remains a life-threatening complication. Voriconazole has replaced conventional amphotericin B as standard therapy of invasive aspergillus infections and new compounds have been licensed for second-line treatment; in addition posaconazole has been introduced for antifungal prophylaxis. Despite all new afore mentioned substances, substantial further progress in the therapy of aspergillus infections is needed. The best choice, duration and sequence of antifungal agents are a matter of debate. Caspofungin, as the first representative from the echinocandin class, has been tested in a broad range of trials and clinical situations. Due to its alternative target as well as its broad range of clinical evaluations and favourable safety profile, it can be a suitable choice and partner in the anti-aspergillus therapy. Current knowledge of treating invasive aspergillosis with caspofungin as well as factors impacting the choice of antifungal therapy will be discussed.