Paclitaxel-Associated Hypersensitivity Reactions: Experience of the Gynecologic Oncology Program of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center

Abstract

PURPOSE: : This study expands the existing limited data as to whether patients developing clinically significant paclitaxel-induced hypersensitivity reactions can continue to be treated with this important antineoplastic agent and how such retreatment might be undertaken. PATIENTS AND METHODS: More than 450 patients received paclitaxel, either as a single agent or in a combination regimen, for a female pelvic malignancy in the Gynecologic Oncology Program of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center from January 1995 through December 1998. RESULTS: Of the more than 450 patients, 44 (approximately 9%) developed at least one episode of a clinically relevant hypersensitivity reaction to the cytotoxic drug. All 43 individuals (plus an additional four patients referred to our center after having previously experienced a severe paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reaction at another institution) who were retreated with paclitaxel were ultimately able to receive the agent. Five patients required treatment with a standardized desensitization regimen, developed by our group, to successfully receive paclitaxel. DISCUSSION: On the basis of this large single-institution study of paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reactions, we conclude that with appropriate precautions essentially all individuals experiencing these reactions can be safely treated with this agent.