TREATMENT OF CRYPTOCOCCOSIS WITH LIPOSOMAL AMPHOTERICIN-B (AMBISOME) IN 23 PATIENTS WITH AIDS

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of liposomal amphoteri cin B (AmBisome) in the primary treatment of AIDS-associated cryptococ cosis. Design: A Phase II, multicentre, European, non-comparative, ope n study to assess the use of AmBisome in 23 patients (26 enrolments) w ith cryptococcosis. Dose requirements, mycological response and toxici ty were documented. Setting; Hospital-based HIV units. Patients: Twent y-three HIV-1-seropositive patients. Results: Drug toxicity, assessed in 25 enrolments, was well-tolerated with little renal, hepatic or hae matological toxicity. Eighteen out of 23 (78%) enrolments responded cl inically. Nineteen enrolments had cryptococcal meningitis: sterilizati on of spinal fluid was achieved in 12 out of the 18 (67%) who were myc ologically evaluable. Fourteen out of the 19 (74%) responded clinicall y. Conclusion: AmBisome is well-tolerated and may be an effective form ulation in the treatment of cryptococcosis.