A practical focus on wheat oral immunotherapy

Wheat is a dietary staple in many cultures as well as a common food allergen. Although not as extensively studied as other forms of oral immunotherapy, the current literature suggests that wheat oral immunotherapy (WOIT) can result in successful desensitization. There has only been one multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial of WOIT, along with several open-label nonrandomized trials. The trials were limited by several factors, including small sample sizes; demographic skew; and heterogeneity in dosing, duration, and outcomes. The majority of WOIT regimens results in desensitization, with literature that indicates that a longer duration and higher dosing may lead to more clinical success. WOIT has been associated with adverse events, including allergic reactions, but these events seem to decrease over time. Study on WOIT is underway, but evidence from trials suggests it can be successful and safe. Further studies will need to optimize dosing protocols to improve efficacy and safety.