Emerging treatments
Interferon gamma
Augments the antifungal activity of macrophages and neutrophils against a variety of pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans. Has been used with standard antifungal therapy to treat patients with AIDS-associated cryptococcal meningitis. It is well tolerated and leads to combined mycological and clinical improvement.[77][78] In HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis, the addition of a short course of interferon gamma to standard treatment has been shown to increase the rate of clearance of cryptococcal infection but does not improve survival.[79]
Cryptococcal glucuronoxylomannan-protein conjugate vaccine
Although a vaccine has been developed against C neoformans, clinical trials are still required.[80]
Other azole antifungals
Posaconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole have anticryptococcal activity and have been used for salvage therapy in patients who are intolerant or refractory to standard treatment (i.e., fluconazole).[20][60][81][82] However, due to the limited data available on these newer azole antifungals, they are not yet recommended routinely in guidelines.[20]
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