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Generalized urticaria to cyclophosphamide: Type I hypersensitivity to an immunosuppressive agent
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 1, 1976
Summary
Cyclophosphamide (CY) chemotherapy can cause allergic reactions like urticaria. This study identified IgE antibodies against CY in a patient experiencing these reactions, suggesting an allergic mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclophosphamide (CY) is a chemotherapy agent used for various cancers.
- Adverse drug reactions, including allergic responses, can occur during chemotherapy.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old patient receiving CY for sarcoma developed recurrent urticaria post-administration.
- Serum analysis revealed homocytotropic antibody activity against CY after the reaction.
Findings:
- Passive transfer testing confirmed the presence of antibodies mediating the allergic reaction.
- In vitro assays identified these antibodies as Immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to CY.
- While IgE binding was specific to the reacting patient, all CY-treated patients showed increased IgG binding to CY.
Implications:
- This study suggests that IgE-mediated hypersensitivity is a mechanism for cyclophosphamide-induced urticaria.
- Understanding these mechanisms can aid in managing chemotherapy-related allergic reactions.
- Further research may explore diagnostic markers and desensitization protocols for CY hypersensitivity.
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