Fungal Infections in Cancer Patients

Fungi cause a spectrum of infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Cancer patients may develop superficial skin infections of the skin, nails, or mucosal surfaces, but are at increased risk of acute or subacute invasive infections by fungi, depending on the type and degree of immunosuppression. Invasive fungal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in oncology patients, at times leading to a delay or cancellation of cancer treatment. This article provides an overview of the diversity of fungal infections and the associated syndromes that afflict cancer patients as they undergo increasingly complex treatments.