Therapeutic perspectives in food allergy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Recent decades have seen extensive research into novel food allergy treatments.
• Following the limitations of injection immunotherapy, oral immunotherapy (OIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) have been investigated.
• This review focuses on clinical trials of these three immunotherapy routes for food allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical trials of OIT, SLIT, and EPIT for food allergies.
• To analyze the advantages and limitations of each immunotherapy administration route.
• To provide insights into the current landscape of food allergy immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of clinical trials for OIT, SLIT, and EPIT in food allergy patients.
• Comparative analysis of efficacy, safety, and patient adherence across different immunotherapy routes.
• Evaluation of secondary effects and potential risk factors associated with each method.

Main Results:

• OIT is effective in increasing tolerance but associated with significant side effects like anaphylaxis.
• SLIT shows modest tolerance increases with fewer studies available.
• EPIT, a newer method, demonstrates local, mild side effects, avoids systemic reactions, and boasts high patient adherence.

Conclusions:

• OIT is suitable for patients without prior severe anaphylaxis history.
• SLIT and EPIT may be preferable for patients at risk of anaphylaxis.
• EPIT presents a promising alternative with a favorable safety profile and adherence.