SUCCESSFUL DESENSITIZATION TO PACLITAXEL: A CASE REPORT

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Introduction Antineoplastics are the third leading cause of death due to drug-induced anaphylaxis. Taxanes are an integral part of the chemotherapeutic regimen used in gynecological malignancies. Drug desensitization is a therapeutic technique that induces a temporary state of tolerance to a drug responsible for a hypersensitivity reaction. Case Description A 48 year old female diagnosed with stage IV mixed epithelial ovarian cancer and arterial hypertension. Chemotherapy with carboplatin + paclitaxel is indicated, during the first cycle. She presents within the first 5 minutes of application of paclitaxel: lipotimia and wheals, without hypotension, hypoxemia, or wheezing. Skin tests are performed, resulting positive to paclitaxel at dilution 1:1000, a protocol of desensitization was performed based on 6 bags of sodium chloride, and paclitaxel in different concentrations. The desensitization doses were administered within six hours of preparation, and there was no reaction to the administration of the medication. Discussion Hypersensitivity reactions are common with the administration of taxanes. A desensitization protocol was performed, considering it successful since the patient was able to continue her treatment without adverse reactions. Antineoplastics are the third leading cause of death due to drug-induced anaphylaxis. Taxanes are an integral part of the chemotherapeutic regimen used in gynecological malignancies. Drug desensitization is a therapeutic technique that induces a temporary state of tolerance to a drug responsible for a hypersensitivity reaction. A 48 year old female diagnosed with stage IV mixed epithelial ovarian cancer and arterial hypertension. Chemotherapy with carboplatin + paclitaxel is indicated, during the first cycle. She presents within the first 5 minutes of application of paclitaxel: lipotimia and wheals, without hypotension, hypoxemia, or wheezing. Skin tests are performed, resulting positive to paclitaxel at dilution 1:1000, a protocol of desensitization was performed based on 6 bags of sodium chloride, and paclitaxel in different concentrations. The desensitization doses were administered within six hours of preparation, and there was no reaction to the administration of the medication. Hypersensitivity reactions are common with the administration of taxanes. A desensitization protocol was performed, considering it successful since the patient was able to continue her treatment without adverse reactions.