Where are we Now in Improving Outcomes for Haemato-Oncology Patients? From Empiric to Pre-Emptive Antifungal Treatment

This page has been created with the content from a Gilead organised educational meeting, CARE (Continued Antifungal Research and Education) Now, and was initiated and funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc. The recording took place in Madrid, Spain, 23 March 2026. The content is non-promotional and is intended for healthcare professionals only. This video is not intended for HCPs practicing in the UK.

The content included in this video comply with the Spanish regulatory framework. Prescribing information may vary depending on local approval in each country. Therefore, before prescribing any product, always consult local materials such as the local prescribing information and/or the applicable SmPC. Adverse events should be reported to Gilead at [email protected] and/or through your national reporting system.

This educational video features a dynamic expert debate revisiting the important aspects of empirical versus pre-emptive antifungal strategies in high-risk haemato-oncology patients. The debate explores where we are now, bridging evidence with the realities of clinical practice.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Welcome and introductions
• 01:40 – The evolution of early treatment: From empiric to pre-emptive therapy, where are we now?
• 06:48 – Motion for early empirical treatment: When time is of the essence
• 20:31 – Motion for pre-emptive treatment: Screening for a targeted patient population
• 32:54 – Panel discussion
• 46:01 – Closing statements from each side of the motion
• 48:46 – Meeting Close

Topics covered:

• Invasive fungal diseases as a significant threat in high-risk patients with haematological malignancies
• The relative pros and cons of empirical and pre-emptive antifungal approaches, and which may be needed depending on the clinical scenario
• The current evidence base for either approach, diagnostic delays and mortality risk, antifungal coverage beyond Aspergillus, risk of resistance, costs, potential over-exposure of antifungals, toxicity, and real-world diagnostic capabilities
• The bigger picture of infection management in haemato-oncology and antimicrobial stewardship

1. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
2. St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London; The Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
3. Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain