[Specific immunotherapy]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology

Context:

• Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are established therapies for sustainable allergic disease modification.
• Current utilization of specific immunotherapy (SI) remains suboptimal, despite its long-term benefits in symptom reduction and improved quality of life.

Purpose:

• To emphasize the importance of specific immunotherapy (SI) as a standard treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• To highlight the need for careful patient selection and adherence to 3-year therapy protocols for optimal outcomes.

Summary:

• SCIT and SLIT are the primary therapies for long-term allergy management, leading to reduced symptoms and medication reliance.
• Comparing the efficacy of different allergen extracts or SCIT versus SLIT is challenging due to manufacturer-specific preparations.
• Allergens compliant with Therapeutic Allergen Regulation (TAV) offer proven safety and efficacy.

Impact:

• Increased adoption of SI can significantly improve patient quality of life and reduce the burden of allergic diseases.
• Ensuring 3-year adherence to SI therapy, regardless of administration route, is crucial for sustained benefits.
• SI demonstrates significant socioeconomic advantages early in the treatment course.