Shorter, safer antifungal treatment for talaromycosis in people with advanced HIV
Liposomal Amphotericin B and Flucytosine Antifungal Strategies for Talaromycosis (LAmB-FAST)
Comparing a single high-dose liposomal amphotericin B plus flucytosine against standard amphotericin deoxycholate to treat talaromycosis in people with advanced HIV, aiming for faster cure and fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have talaromycosis and advanced HIV, this project will test whether one large dose of liposomal amphotericin B together with oral flucytosine can clear the infection more quickly and cause less toxicity than the usual 14-day amphotericin deoxycholate infusion. Participants will receive the new regimen and undergo blood tests, fungal cultures, and regular clinic visits to track fungal clearance, survival, and side effects. The plan builds on recent successes using shorter or single-dose liposomal amphotericin in cryptococcal meningitis and on benefits seen when flucytosine is added to amphotericin. Results will be compared across treatment groups to see if the new approach shortens hospital stays and reduces treatment-related harm.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with confirmed Talaromyces marneffei infection (talaromycosis) and advanced HIV disease who can be treated at participating clinical sites, typically in endemic regions.
Not a fit: People without talaromycosis, those with only mild or latent disease, or patients who cannot receive amphotericin or flucytosine (for example due to severe kidney failure or drug allergies) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could cure talaromycosis faster while reducing toxic side effects and shortening hospital stays.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials like AMBITION in cryptococcal meningitis and the IVAP trial in talaromycosis support shorter liposomal amphotericin and adding flucytosine, but using single-dose liposomal amphotericin plus flucytosine specifically for talaromycosis is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le, Thuy — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Le, Thuy
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.