Invasive fungal disease in children with solid tumors: An Australian multicenter 10‐year review

Abstract

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) occurs less frequently during treatment for solid compared to hematological malignancies in children, and risk groups are poorly defined. Retrospective national multicenter cohort data (2004–2013) were analyzed to document prevalence, clinical characteristics, and microbiology of IFD. Amongst 2067 children treated for solid malignancy, IFD prevalence was 1.9% overall and 1.4% for proven/probable IFD. Of all IFD episodes, 42.5% occurred in patients with neuroblastoma (prevalence 7.0%). Candida species comprised 54.8% of implicated pathogens in proven/probable IFD. In children with solid tumors, IFD is rare, and predominantly caused by yeasts.Routine prophylaxis may not be warranted.