Incidence and Risk of Oxaliplatin-Induced Hypersensitivity in Patients with Asymptomatic Prior Exposure: A...

Oxaliplatin-related hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), which can be life threatening, have introduced a dilemma regarding the use of chemotherapeutic agents. Because repeated exposure to oxaliplatin may increase the risk of sensitization, patients with a history of prior asymptomatic exposure require risk-stratified care.

This study aimed to elucidate the incidence and risk of oxaliplatin HSRs in patients with a history of asymptomatic prior exposure.

We performed a prospective observational study of patients who completed oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy between March 2013 and January 2015. Prior exposure to oxaliplatin, the oxaliplatin-free interval, reaction severity, eosinophil counts, and premedication were reviewed to assess the risk factors.

A total of 793 patients were enrolled, among whom 148 (18.7%) experienced an HSR. The HSR incidence was 15.2% among oxaliplatin-naive patients but increased to 31.9% among those with a history of asymptomatic exposure and 75.0% among those with a history of oxaliplatin HSRs during the previous exposure, despite prophylaxis. The mean HSR onset cycle was earliest in the previous HSR group, followed by the previous asymptomatic exposure and nonexposure groups. The HSR severity also differed according to the previous exposure history and HSRs. In the multivariate analysis, prior exposure to oxaliplatin (odds ratio [OR], 3.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.46-5.79) and a longer oxaliplatin-free interval (≥36 months; OR, 4.85; 95% CI, 1.60-14.37) were independent risk factors for HSRs.

Previous exposure to oxaliplatin is a risk factor for earlier HSR onset and more severe and frequent HSR episodes, even if prior therapy was well tolerated.