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Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction to Chemotherapeutic Agents
Pedro Giavina-Bianchi1, Sarita U Patil2, Aleena Banerji2
1Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) to chemotherapy are dangerous but manageable. Rapid drug desensitization allows safe administration of chemotherapy, preventing treatment failure in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cancer cases are projected to rise by 70% in two decades, with chemotherapy as a primary treatment.
- Adverse reactions to chemotherapy, including immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs), are increasing globally.
- IHRs can prevent first-line cancer therapy, negatively impacting patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) to chemotherapeutic agents.
- To propose a classification for acute chemotherapy reactions: toxic, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and IHRs.
- To highlight the importance of diagnosing and managing IHRs for continued cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on immediate hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy.
- Analysis of general features and specific agents involved in IHRs.
- Evaluation of rapid drug desensitization as a management strategy.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapeutic agents can induce unpredictable and potentially lethal IHRs.
- A proposed classification system categorizes acute chemotherapy reactions.
- Rapid drug desensitization is effective in allowing safe administration of chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis and management of IHRs are crucial for oncologic patients.
- Rapid drug desensitization offers a safe method for selected patients to receive chemotherapy.
- This approach minimizes risks of anaphylaxis and treatment failure, ensuring access to essential cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Adverse drug reactionsAnaphylaxisAnticancer drugsCancerChemotherapeutic agentsDesensitizationDoxorubicinHypersensitivity reactionsPlatinum-based agentsTaxanesMore Related Videos
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