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Cancidas (Caspofungin Acetate) - Summary

 
 



CANCIDAS SUMMARY

CANCIDAS is a sterile, lyophilized product for intravenous (IV) infusion that contains a semisynthetic lipopeptide (echinocandin) compound synthesized from a fermentation product of Glarea lozoyensis. CANCIDAS is the first of a new class of antifungal drugs (glucan synthesis inhibitors) that inhibit the synthesis of (beta) (1,3)-D-glucan, an integral component of the fungal cell wall.

CANCIDAS is indicated for the treatment of:

  • Candidemia and the following Candida infections: intra-abdominal abscesses, peritonitis and pleural space infections. CANCIDAS has not been studied in endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis due to Candida.
  • Esophageal Candidiasis (see CLINICAL STUDIES).
  • Invasive Aspergillosis in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of other therapies (i.e., amphotericin B, lipid formulations of amphotericin B, and/or itraconazole). CANCIDAS has not been studied as initial therapy for invasive aspergillosis.


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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Cancidas (Caspofungin)

A randomized comparison of caspofungin versus antifungal prophylaxis according to investigator policy in acute leukaemia patients undergoing induction chemotherapy (PROFIL-C study). [2011.09]
BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are considered a major problem among patients undergoing acute leukaemia (AL) induction treatment. PROphylaxis of Fungal invasive Infections in Leukaemia-Caspofungin (PROFIL-C) is a multicentre study aiming to assess the comparative yield of using caspofungin versus standard policy (SP) regimens and the overall impact of IFI in routine clinical care conditions... CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and mortality of IFI were lower than expected in this strictly sequential cohort representative of the routine care in the NILG network. The efficacy and safety of caspofungin were similar to other prophylactic regimens.

Economic evaluation of caspofungin versus liposomal amphotericin B for empirical antifungal therapy in patients with persistent fever and neutropenia in Sweden. [2011.07]
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of caspofungin versus liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for empirical antifungal therapy in patients with persistent fever and neutropenia in Sweden... CONCLUSION: Given the underlying assumptions and data used, caspofungin is expected to be cost-effective with at least comparable outcomes compared to L-AmB for the empirical treatment of patients with suspected fungal infections in Sweden.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of higher doses of caspofungin in healthy adult participants. [2011.02]
Caspofungin was the first in a new class of antifungal agents (echinocandins) indicated for the treatment of primary and refractory fungal infections. Higher doses of caspofungin may provide another option for patients who have failed caspofungin or other antifungal therapy... Caspofungin pharmacokinetics at these higher doses were dose proportional to and consistent with those observed at lower doses, suggesting a modest nonlinearity of increased accumulation with dose, which was considered not clinically meaningful.

Lack of pharmacokinetic drug interaction between oral posaconazole and caspofungin or micafungin. [2011.01]
The objective of this phase 1, open-label, parallel, randomized study was to determine the effect of posaconazole on the pharmacokinetics of caspofungin and micafungin in 67 healthy subjects. Caspofungin (70 mg on day 1, 50 mg on days 2-14 once daily; 1-hour intravenous infusion) (cohort 1) or micafungin (150 mg once daily days 1-7; 1-hour IV infusion) (cohort 2) was administered alone or with posaconazole oral suspension 400 mg twice daily, on days 1 to 14 (cohort 1) or days 1 to 7 (cohort 2).

A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of caspofungin versus liposomal amphotericin B for empiric antifungal therapy in pediatric patients with persistent fever and neutropenia. [2010.05]
BACKGROUND: Persistently febrile neutropenic children at risk for invasive fungal infections receive empiric antifungal therapy as a standard of care. However, little is known about the role of echinocandins and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for empiric antifungal therapy in pediatric patients... CONCLUSIONS: Caspofungin and L-AmB were comparable in tolerability, safety, and efficacy as empiric antifungal therapy for persistently febrile neutropenic pediatric patients.

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Clinical Trials Related to Cancidas (Caspofungin)

Pharmacokinetics of Caspofungin (Cancidas �) Given Intravenously as Therapy to Patients With an Invasive Fungal Infection in the Intensive Care Unit - a Search for Co-variates [Completed]
The pharmacokinetics of caspofungin are expected to be different in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients. The investigators will determine caspofungin concentrations in 20 ICU patients, who will get caspofungin as standard care. Full PK curves will be taken on day 3 and a limited PK curve on day 7, trough levels will be taken daily.

Caspofungin Maximum Tolerated Dose in Patients With Invasive Aspergillosis [Completed]
This study investigates the safety and tolerability as well as the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of caspofungin in four escalating dosages in adult patients with hematologic malignancies and proven or probable invasive aspergillosis.

Open, Pharmacokinetic Study of Caspofungin Acetate in Immunocompromised Young Children With Febrile Neutropenia (0991-042) [Completed]
This is an open-label study of MK0991 in children between 3 to 24 months of age with new onset fever and neutropenia. The purpose of the study is to investigate plasma drug levels of caspofungin.

Pharmacokinetic, Safety and Efficacy of Intermittent Application of Caspofungin for Antifungal Prophylaxis [Completed]

Pilot Feasibility Study With Patients Who Are at High Risk For Developing Invasive Candidiasis in a Critical Care Setting (MK-0991-067) [Terminated]
This is a pilot feasibility study that investigates antifungal therapy with caspofungin in patients at high-risk for developing invasive candidiasis in a critical care setting.

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Reports of Suspected Cancidas (Caspofungin) Side Effects

Drug Ineffective (27)Septic Shock (18)Death (16)Renal Failure Acute (15)Drug Interaction (10)Overdose (9)Hepatic Failure (6)Multiple Drug Overdose (6)Hypersensitivity (5)Hepatotoxicity (5)more >>


Page last updated: 2011-12-09

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