Voriconazole Compared With Itraconazole in Preventing Fungal Infections in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation * No invasive yeast infection within the past 8 weeks * Colonized or superficial infection allowed * No documented or probable aspergillus or mold infection within the past 8 weeks * Patients with a history of candidemia must have negative blood cultures and no clinical signs of candidemia PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * 12 and over Performance status * Not specified Life expectancy * Not specified Hematopoietic * Not specified Hepatic * Not specified Renal * Not specified Other * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No prior allergy or intolerance to imidazoles or azoles (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, or clotrimazole) PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * See Disease Characteristics Chemotherapy * Not specified Endocrine therapy * Not specified Radiotherapy * Not specified Surgery * Not specified Other * At least 1 week since prior amphotericin B or fluconazole for candidemia * No concurrent therapy with any of the following: * Rifampin * Rifabutin * Phenobarbital * Phenytoin * Carbamazepine * Oral midazolam * Triazolam * Terfenadine * Astemizole * Concurrent topical antifungal agents for superficial fungal infections allowed