Dr. Luong Participates in International Work Group on Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Rhinologist and researcher Amber Luong, MD, PhD, professor and vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at UTHealth Houston and a recognized expert on fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS), was invited to join a working group on the disorder at the 2026 International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (external link) meeting held in Chandigarh, India. The group’s objectives are to assess the prevalence of FRS, develop novel diagnostic tools, and enhance therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
“Our goal at our first meeting was to define the entire spectrum of fungal rhinosinusitis, which includes a variety of conditions caused by fungus in the paranasal sinuses,” says Dr. Luong, who has conducted research on the disorder for more than 18 years. “Noninvasive forms can range from allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, which can result in chronic inflammation and nasal polyps, to fungal balls that form a dense mass in the nasal cavity, causing obstruction and drainage. More invasive forms of FRS can spread to surrounding tissues and are particularly dangerous for people with immune systems compromised by conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or cancer treatment that makes them more susceptible to fungus.”
The group is preparing a paper on its observations and conclusions for publication at a future date.
ISHAM is a worldwide organization representing medical mycologists, clinical scientists, and fundamental researchers with interest in fungal diseases. Founded in 1954 with 150 members, it now represents more than 900 individuals who work professionally with fungal diseases and pathogenic fungi. More than 30 medical mycology associations are affiliated with ISHAM, a recognized nongovernmental affiliate of the World Health Organization.