Allergy history, chemotherapy linked to oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions

In patients with colorectal cancer, a history of allergy, previous oxaliplatin exposure, and chemotherapy regimens appear to increase the risk of having oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions, results of a recent study have shown.

A group of researchers conducted this retrospective study in 280 patients who developed oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions and 476 patients who did not. They performed logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for such reactions.

A history of allergy (odds ratio [OR], 2.232, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.209–4.119; p=0.010), previous exposure to oxaliplatin (OR, 8.081, 95 percent CI, 3.024–21.593; p<0.001), and chemotherapy regimen (OR, 2.148, 95 percent CI, 1.411–3.271; p<0.001) were significantly associated with oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions. Reactions averaged 7.29 cycles, with a mean cumulative dose of 589.53 mg.

Grade 2 oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 197 patients (70.4 percent), grade 3 in 68 patients (24.3 percent), and grade 4 in nine patients (3.2 percent). Itching (n=211, 75.4 percent) was the most common symptom, followed by facial flushing (n=133, 47.5 percent) and chest discomfort (n=77, 27.5 percent).

“Healthcare providers should be aware of the risk factors for oxaliplatin hypersensitivity reactions and carefully monitor patients receiving oxaliplatin,” the researchers said. 

Oxaliplatin is used primarily to treat cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, according to the researchers. Hypersensitivity reactions to this drug, though rare, are considered serious side effects.