Predictive factors for carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions in gynecologic cancers: Effect of BRCA status

Carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions have been reported to occur in up to 16% of patients with gynecologic cancers. Several predisposing factors have been suggested including presence of BRCA1/2 mutation, however, contribution of these mutations to reaction development has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between BRCA1/2 mutation status and the development of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions.Methodology: Eligible patients were women aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of ovarian, fallopian tube, uterine, endometrial, or primary peritoneal cancer who attempted to receive at least one dose of carboplatin. The primary outcome was the effect of BRCA1/2 status on the development of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions with regard to: reaction frequency, timing, and severity. Secondary outcomes included identification of additional risk factors that may help identify predisposition to carboplatin hypersensitivity reaction.

A total of 44 patients were included in this study. Five patients (38%) in the reaction group and 4 patients (31%) in the no reaction group had a documented mutation in one or both BRCA genes (p = 1.00). No significant differences were found in terms of reaction severity or symptoms, and timing of reaction after dose administration. Incidence of thyroid disorder was significantly higher among patients who experienced a hypersensitivity reaction (1 (4%) vs 10 (45%); p = 0.004).

BRCA mutation status was not associated with an increased risk of carboplatin hypersensitivity in our patient population. Further investigation into thyroid dysfunction as a risk factor for reaction development is warranted.