Skin Testing in the Evaluation and Management of Carboplatin-Related Hypersensitivity Reactions

Timothy Lax; Aidan Long; Aleena Banerji

doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2015.07.003

Skin Testing in the Evaluation and Management of Carboplatin-Related Hypersensitivity Reactions

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2015 Nov-Dec;3(6):856-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2015.07.003. Epub 2015 Oct 1.

Authors

Timothy Lax¹, Aidan Long², Aleena Banerji²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. Electronic address: tlax@partners.org.
² Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.

PMID: 26432514
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2015.07.003

Abstract

Carboplatin-induced hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are a frequent occurrence in patients being retreated for malignancy. The most common and severe reactions are thought to be IgE mediated. Currently, skin testing is the only method used clinically to identify individuals sensitized to carboplatin. Despite almost 20 years of clinical use, a standardized approach to skin testing and its use in the management of carboplatin HSRs has not been well established. We review the utility of carboplatin skin testing and discuss factors that influence the interpretation of skin testing results. A risk stratification strategy using skin testing and desensitization to manage patients with carboplatin HSRs is proposed.

Keywords: Allergy; Carboplatin; Hypersensitivity reaction; Management; Predictive value; Skin testing; Timing.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
Carboplatin / adverse effects*
Desensitization, Immunologic / methods
Drug Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
Drug Hypersensitivity / drug therapy
Humans
Skin Tests*

Substances

Antineoplastic Agents
Carboplatin