Stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia with pulmonary and cerebral mucormycosis.

BACKGROUND

Mucormycosis is one of the most refractory invasive fungal infections and often causes fatal infection in immunocompromised patients, such as those with severe diabetes mellitus and hematologic malignancies.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of stem cell transplantation for a pediatric patient with refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who developed mucormycosis.

RESULTS

An 8-year-old boy with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) received chemotherapy, but relapsed 3 months after discontinuation of treatment. Subsequent chemotherapy was ineffective, and then, while in non-complete remission, he developed pulmonary and cerebral mucormycosis. On gene analysis the fungus was identified as Lichtheimia ramosa. Cord blood transplantation was conducted in combination with high-dose liposomal amphotericin B therapy. He successfully achieved complete remission without progression of mucormycosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Stem cell transplantation could reduce the mortality of patients with hematologic disease who develop mucormycosis.