Real-life studies in allergen immunotherapy

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 Aug 1;21(4):361-367. doi: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000757.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Real-life (or real-world) studies can provide information that cannot be derived from randomized controlled trials. This approach is currently becoming of relevance for many treatments. In recent years, the real-life method has been applied also to allergen immunotherapy, providing new insights on it. We reviewed herein the available literature on the argument.

Recent findings: Several prospective and retrospective studies on allergen immunotherapy in the real-world setting have been published, mostly in the last 5 years. Most of them focused on adverse events, compliance, and the long term/preventive effects, and evidenced an overall favorable profile for different products and different allergens.

Summary: Real life study provided novel information and evidenced those aspects of immunotherapy that worth a more detailed approach, without the strict limitations usually imposed by controlled randomized trials.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens*
  • Desensitization, Immunologic*
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Allergens