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[Anaphylaxia induced by etoposide--a case report]
Akinori Taguchi1, Shigeki Takeshita, Ryouta Machida
1Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teikyo University School of Medicine.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|August 27, 2003
Summary
A patient experienced a severe allergic reaction to etoposide chemotherapy for choriocarcinoma. A modified regimen with pre-medication and dose adjustment successfully prevented anaphylaxis in subsequent treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Medical Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Choriocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of trophoblastic cells.
- Standard chemotherapy regimens for choriocarcinoma include etoposide.
- Anaphylactic reactions to chemotherapeutic agents are uncommon but serious adverse events.
Observation:
- A patient diagnosed with ovarian choriocarcinoma developed acute dyspnea, bronchospasms, and cutaneous flushing during etoposide administration.
- The patient recovered after immediate cessation of etoposide and administration of hydroxyzine hydrochloride.
- Etoposide is a critical chemotherapeutic agent for choriocarcinoma, necessitating management of its potential side effects.
Findings:
- A modified chemotherapy regimen was developed to mitigate etoposide-induced anaphylaxis.
- The modified regimen included intravenous hydrocortisone and intramuscular promethazine hydrochloride pre-treatment, diluted etoposide concentration, and a reduced administration rate.
- The modified regimen successfully prevented anaphylactic symptoms during subsequent etoposide administration.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing anaphylactic reactions to chemotherapeutic agents.
- Modified chemotherapy protocols can enable the continued use of essential drugs like etoposide in patients with hypersensitivity.
- Further research into managing chemotherapy-induced hypersensitivity reactions is warranted to improve patient safety and treatment outcomes.