Incidence and characteristics of Invasive Fungal Infections in patients being treated with Systemic Anticancer Therapies in England - Pfizer

Patients

December 2024

Summary

This study, carried out by Pfizer, used data from Hospital Episode Statistics data and the SACT registry dataset to explore the impact of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients living with cancer.  

About this study

Cancer treatment can weaken the immune system, making patients more prone to infections. Fungal infections have gained recognition as a growing threat to public health and are linked with substantial healthcare costs as well as the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance. 

The primary objective was to identify the number of fungal infections in patients being treated for cancer. The study looked for links between a patient’s type of cancer and type of treatment they received. 

The study explored wider questions concerning the treatment of cancer patients who have fungal functions by looking at:

  • Patients’ social characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, or level of deprivation
  • The cost of hospital treatment
  • The risk of death 

Data sources used:

• Hospital Episode Statistics (HES): includes details on patient hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and accident and emergency attendances at NHS hospitals in England
• SACT Registry Dataset: collects information on cancer treatments used across NHS England

Benefits

By accessing HES and SACT data, this Pfizer study has given more information about the treatment of cancer patients with fungal infections in hospital. The study could inform future and more appropriate treatment options for cancer patients reducing the risk of them developing fungal infections in hospital.

Further information

Read the clinical study

Last modified: 13 January 2025

Last reviewed: 13 January 2025