Castell’s Rapid Desensitization as a Major Therapeutic Opportunity for Patients Experiencing Hypersensitivity Reactions to Antiblastic Drugs

Calabrò C, Carofiglio F, Ferraiuolo S, Laforgia M, Vincenti A, Ungaro V and Nardulli P

Giovanni Paolo II/I.R.C.C.S. Cancer Institute, Italy

^*Correspondance to: Concetta Calabrò 

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Abstract:

The expanding use of conventional and new chemotherapy agents in a wide variety of malignancies is increasing the incidence rate of Hypersensitivity Reactions (HSRs); skin rashes, itching, temperature, chills, localized face redness, dizziness, headache, dyspnea, anxiety and, in some severe cases, chest pain, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis are the major clinical events of HSRs [1]. The above-mentioned signs can occur even after adequate premedication with antihistamine and corticosteroid drugs, therefore precluding the treatment itself, depriving the patient of a great chance of treatment and recovery. In this analysis, a cohort of 48 patients have been monitored since October 2022 until October 2023 in order to observe and report all the rapid desensitization procedures they underwent over the period considered, according to Castells’ protocol. The aim of this paper is to describe the experience of an Italian cancer hospital with Castell’s rapid desensitization protocols in patients with a previous medical history for Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions (DHRs), proving that the desensitization protocol is feasible and safe without compromising cytotoxic activity.

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Cite the Article:

Calabrò C, Carofiglio F, Ferraiuolo S, Laforgia M, Vincenti A, Ungaro V, et al. Castell’s Rapid Desensitization as a Major Therapeutic Opportunity for Patients Experiencing Hypersensitivity Reactions to Antiblastic Drugs. Clin Oncol. 2024;9:2063..