Hypersensitivity reactions induced by etoposide

Eight patients with hypersensitivity to etoposide are reported. The clinical characteristics and outcome of the patients are detailed. In four patients, treatment was given to ameliorate the symptoms. Two of these patients were successfully re-treated with etoposide after premedication with diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. Hypersensitivity is now recognized as a form of acute toxicity occasionally occurring with this agent. The mechanism is unknown but several possibilities are discussed.