Predictors of immediate and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel.

Abstract

e24101 Background: Paclitaxel is one of the first-line treatments for breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. However, its use is limited by the high frequency of hypersensitivity reactions. The purpose of the current study was to assess clinical factors associated with immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel and characterize delayed hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel in patients with breast cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received paclitaxel (Taxol) or nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) between 1/1/2017 and 1/1/2022 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Results: In total, 12,274 patients were identified who were treated with paclitaxel. Of these, 6,165 had breast cancer and 1,233 were seen by a dermatologist. 734 patients (11.9%) developed an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel. Age (p < 0.001), race (p < 0.001), and prior history of allergy based on prior ICD-10 code (p = 0.05) were significantly associated with immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Patients who developed an immediate HSR (mean 52.5 ± 12.5 years versus 54.8 ± 12.9 years) tended to be younger, on average, than those who did not experience a reaction. Compared to White patients, Black patients were 37% less likely (OR = 0.63; 95% 0.48 – 0.83) and Asian patients were 70% more likely (OR = 1.70; 95% 1.37 – 2.12) to experience a hypersensitivity reaction. 147 patients (4.0%) had a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (cutaneous rash). Delayed hypersensitivity reaction included toxic erythema of chemotherapy, urticaria, morbilliform, maculopapular, and pruritus phenotypes. The most common phenotypes were maculopapular (52%) and urticaria (36%). The majority had not been treated with nab-paclitaxel prior to rash (86%). Race (p < 0.001) and history of allergy (p < 0.001) were associated with development of a cutaneous reaction. Asian patients were almost twice as likely (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.51 - 2.61, P < 0.001) as White patients to present with a delayed HSR to paclitaxel. Patients with an immediate hypersensitivity reaction were more likely to develop a delayed cutaneous reaction (OR = 1.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-2.55) than those who did not get an immediate HSR, controlling for breast cancer stage and patient race. Conclusions: In conclusion, risk factors identified for development of immediate hypersensitivity reactions in this study were younger age, Asian race, and history of allergy. Patients who developed an immediate hypersensitivity reaction were more likely to develop a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Risk factors for development of the rash included Asian race and history of allergy. Awareness of these clinical factors which are associated with development of a rash could guide providers in choosing treatment with paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel.