Systemic antifungal therapy for oesophageal candidiasis – systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

•Oesophageal candidiasis is a common infection among immunocompromised patients.•Available guidelines recommend fluconazole as the preferred treatment.•Data regarding the effectiveness of fluconazole have not been compiled systematically in times of increased fluconazole resistance.•No difference in efficacy or safety was demonstrated between fluconazole and other azoles for the treatment of oesophageal candidiasis.•Use of echinocandins resulted in lower mycological cure rates and higher relapse rates.