Standardized Titration Protocol Reduces the Incidence of Paclitaxel Infusion-Related Hypersensitivity Reactions

Infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions with paclitaxel are common despite the use of dexamethasone and diphenhydramine premedications. Paclitaxel titration protocols that may reduce reactions are empirically derived from clinical observations, and there are no phase III trials that confirm superiority of any management recommendations. The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency and severity of hypersensitivity reactions associated with a recently initiated standardized paclitaxel titration protocol verses standard-of-care (SOC) infusion protocols.

This was a retrospective review of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving paclitaxel infusions at five ambulatory infusion centers using a standardized titration protocol (February 2021 to April 2021) versus SOC paclitaxel (November 2018 to December 2019). Patients were age 18 years or older and presented for their first or second infusions. The primary study measure was the rate of hypersensitivity reactions. Secondary evaluations included the timing of the reaction after the start of the infusion, use of premedications, and severity of reactions.

A total of 451 patients were included in this study. Eighty-four (18.6%) patients were identified in the titration protocol group and 367 (81.4%) patients in the SOC group. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 4.8% of the titration group and 18.3% of the SOC group (odds ratio [OR], 0.224; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.74; P = .002). Grade 3 or greater infusion reactions were 0% in the titration group versus 18% in the SOC group (OR, 0.28; P < .008). Reactions occurred later with the titration protocol, compared with the SOC paclitaxel infusion. Finally, no differences were observed in the use of appropriate premedications.

A standardized paclitaxel titration protocol was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving their first and second infusions. A prospective randomized trial is needed to validate these observations.