Management and successful desensitization in methotrexate-induced anaphylaxis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Anaphylactic reactions to methotrexate are rare but can be life-threatening.
• Discontinuation of methotrexate due to anaphylaxis increases cancer progression risk in pediatric patients.
• Desensitization offers a potential alternative to treatment cessation.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient with metastatic osteosarcoma experienced anaphylaxis to methotrexate.
• Methotrexate desensitization was successfully performed.
• The patient completed 12 additional chemotherapy courses post-desensitization.

Findings:

• Successful methotrexate desensitization enabled continued chemotherapy in a pediatric cancer patient.
• The procedure was safe and well-tolerated.
• This case highlights the efficacy of desensitization in managing methotrexate hypersensitivity.

Implications:

• Methotrexate desensitization is a viable and safe option for pediatric cancer patients with anaphylaxis.
• This approach can prevent treatment interruption and improve oncological outcomes.
• Further research into desensitization protocols for chemotherapy-induced anaphylaxis is warranted.