Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
04:04
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
9.2K
Anaphylactic reaction to pemetrexed: a case report
Héloise Capelle1, Joelle Birnbaum, Pascale Tomasini
1Oncopharma, Hôpital Nord, AP-HM, Marseille, France.
Summary
Pemetrexed, used for non-small cell lung cancer, can cause rare but severe anaphylactic shock. This case highlights the need for vigilance regarding potential serious adverse events during pemetrexed treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy agent approved for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- It is generally associated with a favorable toxicity profile in clinical practice.
- Adverse drug reactions, though uncommon, necessitate ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Observation:
- A case report details a 58-year-old male patient experiencing anaphylactic shock shortly after initiating pemetrexed infusion.
- The patient's symptoms resolved upon discontinuation of pemetrexed and symptomatic management.
- Diagnostic tests, including serum tryptase levels and intradermal skin tests, were unremarkable, despite a noted non-specific papule.
Findings:
- This clinical observation suggests a potential hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed.
- The absence of elevated tryptase and negative skin tests complicates definitive diagnosis but does not rule out an idiosyncratic reaction.
- The rapid onset of severe symptoms points to an immediate hypersensitivity mechanism.
Implications:
- Clinicians should exercise caution when administering pemetrexed, particularly in patients with a history of hypersensitivity.
- Awareness of the potential for severe adverse events, such as anaphylaxis, is crucial for prompt recognition and management.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of pemetrexed-induced hypersensitivity may be warranted to improve patient safety.
