Candidiasis in cancer patients.

Disseminated candidiasis is likely to become an increasing problem in cancer patients. It has occurred in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy, thermotherapy, and bone marrow transplant. The availability of broad-spectrum cephalosporins with biliary excretion is likely to increase the problem. Although localized candidiasis responds to both topical and parenteral therapy, systemic candidiasis is often fatal, especially in neutropenic patients. A major obstacle to control of this infection is inadequate diagnostic techniques. It is to be hoped that continuing research will yield more effective diagnostic and therapeutic measures.