Beta-D-glucan detection test: a step toward preemptive therapy for fungal infections in leukemic patients?

clinical trials of the patients with the worst prognosis—very short life expectancy due to refractory malignancy; significant renal or hepatic dysfunction; concomitant infection with another fungal, bacterial, or viral pathogen; intubation; and mechanical ventilation are all usual exclusion criteria for clinical trials and are known to adversely affect patient outcome [3, 7]. Outcome is improving with advances in clinical practice. In a large review of invasive aspergillosis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, Upton et al. [7] underscored the beneficial impact on survival of the improvement in the management of the underlying condition, the earlier diagnosis of fungal infection, and the widespread use of new antifungal agents. Treatment strategies in leukemic