Hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents: an overview.

Abstract

Hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents are defined as unexpected reactions with signs and symptoms inconsistent with known toxicity of antineoplastic drugs. These reactions are uncommon and usually associated with certain antineoplastic categories, such as taxanes, platinum-containing compounds, epipodofyllotoxins, asparaginase, procarbazine and, more rarely, with doxorubicin and 6-mercaptopurine. The mechanisms that are responsible for hypersensitivity reactions are unclear and vary between agents. Symptoms of these reactions range from mild skin rashes to more severe reactions, such as arthralgia, respiratory arrest or even death in some cases. Once hypersensitivity reactions are observed, basic principles that allow their management and possible continuance and completion of the regimen should be followed.

• Authors: Ekaterini Syrigou, Nektaria Makrilia, Ioanna Koti, Muhammad W Saif, Kostas N Syrigos
• Journal: Anti-cancer drugs (Anticancer Drugs) Vol. 20 Issue 1 Pg. 1-6 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1473-5741 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19342995 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Hypersensitivity (diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology, therapy)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome