Emerging treatments

Amphotericin-B plus caspofungin combination therapy

​Some mouse models and small clinical studies have described improved outcomes with amphotericin-B and caspofungin (an echinocandin antifungal), particularly in patients with diabetes with rhino-orbital cerebral disease.[65][66]​​ However, larger retrospective studies, particularly patients with haematological malignancy and transplant recipients with pulmonary mucormycosis, did not show improved outcomes.[67][68][69]​​​​​ Further research is needed to clarify the role of this combination.[70]

Localised administration of amphotericin-B

Case reports have described endobronchial instillation of amphotericin-B for the treatment of pulmonary mucormycosis.[71][72]​ Use of oral amphotericin-B suspension (which acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract) as part of combination therapy has also been described in one case report in the treatment of localised gastrointestinal infection.[73] Amphotericin-B beads have been used successfully in one case report of rhizopus osteomyelitis.[74] More research is needed on these novel ways of administering amphotericin-B.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been beneficial in certain case reports, but data are not adequate in the absence of control groups for comparison.[12]​[75]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer