Severe allergic reactions to thiol-based cytoprotective agents mesna and amifostine in a child with a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2011 Aug;33(6):e250-2. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e31820c3403.

Abstract

Both 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium (mesna) and amifostine's active metabolite WR-1065 are thiol-based cytoprotective agents that are critical components of high-dose chemotherapy regimens used to treat various cancers in both adults and children. This case report describes a patient with a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor who developed severe drug reactions to both mesna and amifostine/WR-1065, suggesting that the thiol component of these agents triggered the adverse reactions. This report highlights the clinical presentation of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome in the context of pediatric oncology and the supportive care measures that, if implemented rapidly, may diminish the reaction severity and allow successful completion of chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amifostine / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cranial Irradiation
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / drug therapy
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesna / adverse effects*
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / drug therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Protective Agents / adverse effects
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / adverse effects
  • Supratentorial Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Protective Agents
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Amifostine
  • Mesna