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Prognostic value of galactomannan: current evidence for monitoring response to antifungal therapy in patients with invasive aspergillosis

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Abstract

Galactomannan (GM) is a polysaccharide present in the cell wall of Aspergillus spp. that is released during growth of the organism. It has been successfully used to aide in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis allowing for earlier recognition of disease compared to conventional methods. Since its implementation in the clinic as a diagnostic tool, GM has been used in experimental models to measure therapeutic response. Several clinical studies describe the prognostic value of GM. Herein, we review the evidence supporting the utilization of GM antigen as a biomarker to measure response to systemic antifungal therapy.

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Acknowledgments

Laura L. Kovanda and Amit V. Desai are employees of Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc. William W. Hope is supported by a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinician Scientist Fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA

    Laura L. Kovanda & Amit V. Desai

  2. Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    Laura L. Kovanda & William W. Hope

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  1. Laura L. Kovanda
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Correspondence to Laura L. Kovanda.

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Kovanda, L.L., Desai, A.V. & Hope, W.W. Prognostic value of galactomannan: current evidence for monitoring response to antifungal therapy in patients with invasive aspergillosis. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 44, 143–151 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10928-017-9509-1

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