Characterization and Evaluation of Nano-niosomes Encapsulating Docetaxel against Human Breast, Pancreatic, and Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Cancer Cell Lines

Background

Docetaxel (DXL) is an antineoplastic agent for cancer treatment, the therapeutic efficiency of which is limited due to low solubility, hydrophobicity, and tissue specificity.

Objective

In this study, nano-niosomes were introduced for improving therapeutic index of DXL.

Material and Methods

In this experimental study, two nano-niosomes were synthesized using Span 20® and Span 80® and a thin film hydration method with DXL loading (DXL-Span20 and DXL-Span80). Characterization, in-vitro cytotoxicity and bioavailability of the nano-niosomes was also evaluated via in-vivo experiments.

Results

DXL-Span20 and DXL-Span80 have vesicles size in a range of 84-90 nm and negative zeta potentials. DXL entrapment efficiencies were obtained as 69.6 and 74.0% for DXL-Span20 and DXL-Span80, respectively; with an in-vitro sustained release patterns. Cytotoxicity assays were performed against MDA-MB-231, Calu-6, and AsPC-1 cell lines, and the results indicated that DXL loading into nano-niosomes led to decrement in values of half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at least 2.5 times and at most 6.5 times, compared to free DXL. Moreover, the rat blood bioavailability of DXL after intraperitoneal administration and the pharmacokinetic parameters indicated higher DXL plasma level and the higher effectiveness of DXL-Span80 compared to DXL-Span20.

Conclusion

Carrying DXL by the nano-niosomes led to enhanced cytotoxicity (and lower IC50 values) and higher efficacy with enhanced pharmacokinetic parameters.

Comparative study of dexamethasone premedication regimens with docetaxel chemotherapy in early HER-2 positive breast cancer: A safety net hospital experience

INTRODUCTION

Docetaxel can cause fluid retention reactions (FRRs) and hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). The manufacturer recommends a multi-day oral dexamethasone premedication to prevent these toxicities, but steroid related side effects and regimen compliance remain a concern. This study aimed to determine if modified dexamethasone premedication regimens resulted in differences in HSRs or FRRs to docetaxel. We also examined side effects of dexamethasone and delays in chemotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 82 early breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel. Three steroid regimens were examined: IV 20 mg single-dose dexamethasone, or IV 12 mg dexamethasone with either dexamethasone 8 mg BID for three days starting the day before chemotherapy or dexamethasone 4 mg BID for three days following chemotherapy. Adverse effects, delays in chemotherapy, and reasons for delays in chemotherapy were recorded.

RESULTS

The incidence and severity of FRRs and HSRs was low, with less than 10% incidence of HSRs or FRRs in any group. Delays were most common in the group receiving dexamethasone 8 mg BID for 3 days starting the day before chemotherapy (63.3%) (p < 0.05) and were most commonly due to patient noncompliance (26%).

CONCLUSION

A single dose of intravenous dexamethasone alone or followed by lower doses of oral dexamethasone may improve patient compliance and avoid delays in chemotherapy, without an increase in docetaxel toxicity.

Safety analysis of therapeutic drugs for breast cancer patients and construction of a predictive model for serious adverse drug reactions

OBJECTIVES

To explore the characteristics of the occurrence of antineoplastic drug adverse reactions (ADRs) in breast cancer and to utilize a computerized tool to identify early warning indicators of potentially serious ADRs.

METHODS

We conducted descriptive statistical analyses of the demographic features, medication use characteristics, and clinical manifestations of suspected ADRs in ADR-exposed patients using data from the Shaanxi Provincial Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center, China, from 2017 to 2021. Using disproportionality methods (reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, and comprehensive standard method), the relationship between drugs and ADRs was measured. Finally, a web-based clinical prediction model for serious ADRs based on binary logistic regression was developed to estimate individual event probabilities numerically.

RESULTS

We developed a new computer-mineable breast cancer-ADR system. In total, 1119 ADR reports were received between 2017 and 2021, with an increasing trend in the number. Antineoplastic medications of natural sources made up the greatest portion of the drug category (530, 38.10%) while targeted drugs' part increased with time. The medicine with the greatest number of ADR cases was docetaxel. Bone marrow failure was the most reported ADR. The disproportionality methods produced 19 signals of disproportionate reporting, two signals of disproportionate reporting were unknown ADRs. The occurrence of serious ADRs was shown to be substantially correlated with gender, platinum drugs, and blood and lymphatic system disorders. The clinical prediction model for serious ADRs had above-moderate discriminatory power (C-index was 0.775).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of ADRs to breast cancer antineoplastic drugs was constantly increasing, with docetaxel ranking first, with the majority of ADRs presenting as bone marrow suppression, nausea, and vomiting. Data mining identified 19 signals of disproportionate reporting.

Hypersensitivity Reactions to Taxanes: A Comprehensive and Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Desensitization

Taxanes in the treatment of cancer are associated with a significant incidence of hypersensitivity reactions, which may preclude their use in patients in need of first line therapy. Drug desensitization induces transient immunological tolerance and has allowed the reintroduction of taxanes in highly allergic patients. Increase the knowledge of hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) during the administration of taxanes. A systematic review regarding the safety and efficacy of rapid drug desensitization (RDD) for taxanes HSR. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was registered in PROSPERO(CRD42021242324) and a comprehensive search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases. 25 studies encompassing 10 countries were identified and 976 patients with initial HSR to paclitaxel (n = 707) and docetaxel (n = 284), that underwent a total of 2,396 desensitizations. The most common symptoms were cutaneous (74.6%) with paclitaxel and respiratory (72.6%) with docetaxel. Severe initial hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis occurred in 39.6% and 13% of paclitaxel and docetaxel cases respectively and during the first (87.4%) or second exposure (81.5%). Patients tolerated well RDD and breakthrough reactions (BTR) occurred in 32.2% of paclitaxel-treated patients and in 20.6% of docetaxel treated patients. Premedications included corticosteroids, antihistamines and leukotriene receptor antagonists. The most commonly used protocol was the BWH 3 bags 12 steps, all protocols showed a success rate between 95-100%, with no reported deaths. RDD is a safe and effective procedure in patients with HSR to taxanes and protocols should be standardized for wide range implementation.

A Three-Step Taxane Titration Protocol Decreases Hypersensitivity Reactions During First and Second Exposures

INTRODUCTION

Patients receiving taxanes are at risk for developing hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) primarily during first and second lifetime exposures. Immediate HSRs require emergency care and can interfere with the continuation of preferred treatment. Although different approaches to slow titration have been used successfully for desensitization after HSR occurrence, there are no standardized recommendations for taxane titration to prevent HSRs.

PURPOSE

To determine if a gradual, three-step infusion rate titration decreases the rate and severity of immediate HSRs during first and second lifetime exposures to paclitaxel and docetaxel.

METHODS

We used a prospective, interventional design with historical comparisons to evaluate a sample of 222 first and second lifetime exposure paclitaxel and docetaxel infusions. The intervention was a three-step infusion rate titration provided at the initiation of first and second lifetime exposures. Ninety-nine titrated infusions were compared with 123 historical records of nontitrated infusions.

RESULTS

Compared with the nontitrated group (n = 123), the titrated group (n = 99) had significantly less HSRs (19% v 7%; P = .017). No significant difference in HSR severity was found between groups (P = 1.00). However, four nontitrated patients received epinephrine, and one required transfer to the emergency department (ED) because of reaction severity. In contrast, no titrated patients received epinephrine or required transfer to the ED. In the nontitrated group, seven patients did not complete their infusions versus one patient in the titrated group.

CONCLUSION

A standardized, three-step infusion rate titration prevented HSR occurrence. Significant issues affecting practice feasibility and sustainability were addressed.

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents - A practical guide for the oncologist

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) to antineoplastic agents occur frequently, and every oncologist will encounter these reactions in their clinical practice at some point. The clinical signature of IHRs can range from mild to life-threatening, and their occurrence can substantially impede the treatment course of patients with cancer. Yet, clear guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management are scarce, especially from an oncologic point of view. Therefore, herein, we review the definition, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of IHRs to chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies. First, we focus on defining the specific entities that comprise IHRs and discuss their underlying mechanisms. Then, we summarize the epidemiology for the antineoplastic agents that represent the most common causes of IHRs, i.e., platinum compounds, taxanes and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Next, we describe the possible clinical pictures and the comprehensive diagnostic work-up that should be executed to identify the culprit and safe alternatives for the future. Finally, we finish with reviewing the treatment options in both the acute phase and after recovery, with the aim to improve the oncologic care of patients with cancer.

Allergy in Cancer Care: Antineoplastic Therapy-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions

As the backbone of oncological treatments, systemic chemotherapy is still one of the main pawns in cancer care, alone or in combination with newer targeted agents. All chemotherapy agents can be associated with a type of adverse event called an infusion reaction, which can be characterized as unpredictable, non-dose related, and unexplained by the cytotoxic profile of the drug. For some of these events, a certain immunological mechanism can be identified by blood or skin testing. In this case, we can speak of true hypersensitivity reactions that occur as a response to an antigen/allergen. The current work summarizes the main antineoplastic therapy agents and their susceptibility to induce hypersensitivity reactions and also includes a review of clinical presentation, diagnostic methods in hypersensitivity reactions, and perspectives to overcome these negative events in the treatment of patients suffering from various types of cancer.

Life-Threatening Docetaxel Toxicity in a Patient With Reduced-Function CYP3A Variants: A Case Report

Docetaxel therapy occasionally causes severe and life-threatening toxicities. Some docetaxel toxicities are related to exposure, and inter-individual variability in exposure has been described based on genetic variation and drug-drug interactions that impact docetaxel clearance. Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and CYP3A5 metabolize docetaxel into inactive metabolites, and this is the primary mode of docetaxel clearance. Supporting their role in these toxicities, increased docetaxel toxicities have been found in patients with reduced- or loss-of-function variants in CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. However, since these variants in CYP3A4 are rare, little is known about the safety of docetaxel in patients who are homozygous for the reduced-function CYP3A4 variants. Here we present a case of life-threatening (grade 4) pneumonitis, dyspnea, and neutropenia resulting from a single dose of docetaxel. This patient was (1) homozygous for CYP3A4*22, which causes reduced expression and is associated with increased docetaxel-related adverse events, (2) heterozygous for CYP3A4*3, a rare reduced-function missense variant, and (3) homozygous for CYP3A5*3, a common loss of function splicing defect that has been associated with increased docetaxel exposure and adverse events. The patient also carried functional variants in other genes involved in docetaxel pharmacokinetics that may have increased his risk of toxicity. We identified one additional CYP3A4*22 homozygote that received docetaxel in our research cohort, and present this case of severe hematological toxicity. Furthermore, the one other CYP3A4*22 homozygous patient we identified from the literature died from docetaxel toxicity. This case report provides further evidence for the need to better understand the impact of germline CYP3A variants in severe docetaxel toxicity and supports using caution when treating patients with docetaxel who have genetic variants resulting in CYP3A poor metabolizer phenotypes.

Enhancement of Docetaxel Absorption Using Ritonavir in an Oral Milk-Based Formulation

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to develop a novel milk-based formulation of docetaxel, a sparingly soluble antineoplastic agent, administered so far exclusively by the intravenous route and evaluate its oral bioavailability.

METHODS

Pre-formulation studies included the determination of docetaxel solubility in water-alcohol mixtures as well as short-term content uniformity experiments of the final formulation. The pharmacokinetic (PK) performance of the developed milk-based formulations was further evaluated in vivo in mice using ritonavir, a potent P-glycoprotein inhibitor, as an absorption enhancer of docetaxel and the marketed intravenous docetaxel formulation, Taxotere®, as a control.

RESULTS

In vivo PK results in mice showed that all the administered oral docetaxel formulations had limited absorption in the absence of ritonavir. On the contrary, ritonavir co-administration given as pre-treatment significantly enhanced oral bioavailability of both the marketed and milk-based docetaxel formulations; an even more marked increase in drug exposure was observed when ritonavir was incorporated within the docetaxel milk-based formulation. The fixed-dose combination also showed a more prolonged absorption of the drug compared to separate administrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provides insights for the discovery of a novel milk-based formulation that could potentially serve as an alternative, non-toxic and patient-friendly carrier for an acceptable docetaxel oral chemotherapy.

Thymoquinone-chemotherapeutic combinations: new regimen to combat cancer and cancer stem cells

Cancer is a worldwide disease that causes millions of cases of mortality and morbidity. The major problem associated with the cancer is its resistance to conventional therapy and a high relapse rate. The use of chemotherapy to treat cancer began at the start of the twentieth century with attempts to control cancer. In time advance, many cancer chemotherapeutic agents have been developed for cancer treatment with different mechanisms of action including the alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antimicrotubule, topoisomerase inhibitors, and cytotoxic antibiotics, all of which have toxic effects toward normal cells in the body. Here, we reviewed chemotherapeutics' anticancer role potentiation and safety by thymoquinone (TQ) alone or in combination with the most common therapeutic drugs. Our search was done through PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Taylor & Francis Online, Wiley Online Library, Nature publication group, SAGE Journals, and Web of Science databases. We recognized that TQ-chemotherapeutics combination increased chemo-modulation to the anticancer effect of different chemotherapeutics and protected the normal body cells from the toxic injuries that are induced by chemotherapeutics based on its antioxidant power. Moreover, the current study investigates the possible combinatory effect of TQ and chemotherapeutics to control cancer stem cells through molecular docking targeting of wingless/integrated (Wnt) and Hedgehog (Hh). We found that TQ modulates the Wnt and Hh pathways, by binding with tankyrase-2 and smoothened 7TM receptor, respectively, more efficiently than most chemotherapeutics drugs, while methotrexate showed high-binding affinity compared with TQ. Therefore, we encourage researchers to investigate the chemo-modulatory potential and protective effects of TQ in combination with chemotherapeutics for either cancer or cancer stem cell treatment.

Cetirizine versus diphenhydramine in the prevention of chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reactions

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the role of cetirizine compared to diphenhydramine as premedications for patients receiving paclitaxel, cetuximab, and rituximab infusions. Historically, diphenhydramine has been linked with more sedation in comparison to cetirizine; however, it is unknown if cetirizine can replace diphenhydramine in the prevention of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study designed to assess infusion reactions occurring in patients receiving diphenhydramine or cetirizine premedication for rituximab, paclitaxel, or cetuximab therapies. Infusion reactions were defined as various symptoms such as flushing, itching, alterations in heart rate and blood pressure, and dyspnea plus the clinical setting of a concurrent or very recent infusion.

RESULTS

A total of 207 patients were evaluated in this study with 83 patients receiving cetirizine and 124 diphenhydramine patients. Overall, the percentage of patients with at least one chemotherapy-related infusion event in the cetirizine group was 19.3% (95% CI 11.4-29.4) compared to diphenhydramine group 24.2% (95% CI 17.0-32.7), P = 0.40. Of the patients who received cetirizine and then experienced an event in the first cycle, 41.7% (95% CI 13.7-74.3) of the events were due to paclitaxel, 50.0% (95% CI 19.4-80.6) were due to rituximab, and 8.3% (95% CI 0.1-43.6) were due to cetuximab. Of the patients who received diphenhydramine and then experienced an event in the first cycle, 26.1% (95% CI 5.7-51.4) were due to paclitaxel, 73.9% (95% CI 48.6-94.3) were due to rituximab and none due to cetuximab.

CONCLUSION

Cetirizine appears to be a viable substitute for diphenhydramine for the prevention of infusions reactions with cetuximab, paclitaxel, and rituximab infusions in adults. Prospective studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of cetirizine compared with diphenhydramine in the prevention of chemotherapy-related infusion reactions.

Retrospective evaluation of a rechallenge protocol in patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions with prior chemotherapy in a tertiary hospital

When encountering a hypersensitivity reaction to chemotherapy, a dilemma arises whether to continue the current regimen. In our institution, a standardized protocol has been developed. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of our rechallenge protocol in rechallenging patients with previous hypersensitivity reactions of grades 1 to 2 to paclitaxel, docetaxel, carboplatin and oxaliplatin. The protocol consisted of intensification of premedication and lengthening of infusion time. A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted. Patients who attempted rechallenge with paclitaxel, docetaxel, carboplatin and oxaliplatin under the protocol during the time period from August 2014 to December 2015 were included. Forty-six rechallenge cases were included (12 paclitaxel, 15 docetaxel, 5 carboplatin and 15 oxaliplatin cases). The first rechallenge cycle was completed successfully in 43/46 patients (93.5%) and 42/46 patients (91.3%) were hypersensitivity reaction-free throughout the treatment course under the rechallenge protocol. A total of 133/137 cycles (97.1%) were completed successfully under the protocol. Among patients who continued chemotherapy until disease progression or treatment completion, a median of three additional cycles (range: 1 to 9 cycles) were administered under the protocol. The four cases of recurrent hypersensitivity reactions responded well to infusion interruption and symptomatic treatment and all four patients were discharged uneventfully. Further rechallenge was not performed. Our study demonstrated that a combined strategy of intensification of premedication and lengthening of infusion duration is effective and probably safe in rechallenging patients with previous grades 1 to 2 hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel, docetaxel, carboplatin and oxaliplatin.

Dermatological adverse events with taxane chemotherapy

Taxanes (docetaxel and paclitaxel) are among the most commonly prescribed anticancer drugs approved for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast, non-small cell lung, prostate, gastric, head and neck, and ovarian cancers, as well as in the adjuvant setting for operable node-positive breast cancers. Although the true incidence of dermatological adverse events (AEs) in patients receiving taxanes is not known, and has never been prospectively analysed, they clearly represent one of the major AEs associated with these agents. With an increase in the occurrence of cutaneous AEs during treatment with novel targeted and immunological therapies when used in combination with taxanes, a thorough understanding of reactions attributable to this class is imperative. Moreover, identification and management of dermatological AEs is critical for maintaining the quality of life in cancer patients and for minimizing dose modifications of their antineoplastic regimen. This analysis represents a systematic review of the dermatological conditions reported with the use of these drugs, complemented by experience at comprehensive cancer centres. The conditions reported herein include skin, hair, and nail toxicities. Lastly, we describe the dermatological data available for the new, recently FDA-and EMA- approved, solvent-free nab-paclitaxel.

Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy using nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel followed by epirubicin and cyclophosphamide for operable breast cancer: a multicenter phase II trial

Background

Recently, the use of taxane-based regimens before anthracycline-based regimens has been shown to achieve high pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with breast cancer. Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) has been reported as highly effective and less toxic compared with Cremophor-based Taxol. This phase II clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with nab-PTX followed by an epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide (EC)-based regimen for operable breast cancer.

Patients and methods

From June 2012 to January 2014, four cycles of every-3-week (q3w) nab-PTX [plus q3w trastuzumab in cases of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) positivity] followed by four cycles of q3w EC were administered to patients with operable breast cancer (stage IC–IIIA). The primary endpoint was the pCR rate (ypT0/TisypN0).

Results

A total of 55 patients were enrolled, 54 of whom received at least one nab-PTX dose. All patients underwent radical surgery after chemotherapy. The overall pCR rate was 22.2% (p = 0.006). The pCR rates for patients with the luminal B, luminal/HER2, HER2-rich, and triple-negative breast cancer subtypes were 10.5, 29.4, 60, and 15.4%, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed only HER2 as a significant factor for pCR (odds ratio 5.603; p = 0.024). The expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine showed no association with pCR. The clinical response rate was 70.4% (38/54), and the safety profile was tolerable.

Conclusion

Preoperative NAC with nab-PTX followed by EC is effective and safe for operable breast cancer.

The treatment patterns, efficacy, and safety of nab (®)-paclitaxel for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in the United States: results from health insurance claims analysis

Background

nab-Paclitaxel is an albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This analysis was designed to characterize the treatment patterns, efficacy, and safety of nab-paclitaxel for MBC treatment using health claims data from US health plans associated with Optum.

Methods

Women aged ≥ 18 years who initiated nab-paclitaxel for MBC treatment from January 1, 2005, to September 30, 2012, and who met eligibility criteria were selected from the Optum Research Database for this analysis. Patients were required to have complete medical coverage and pharmacy benefits, ≥ 6 months of continuous enrollment, and a diagnosis of MBC prior to nab-paclitaxel initiation. The pattern of use for nab-paclitaxel (eg, regimen, schedule, duration, and administration) and claims-captured toxicities were characterized by line of therapy. Overall survival (OS) and time to next therapy or death (TNTD) were described by line of therapy, regimen, and schedule.

Results

Of the 664 nab-paclitaxel patients, 172 (25.9 %) received it as first-line therapy, 211 (31.8 %) as second-line therapy, and 281 (42.3 %) as third-line or later therapy. Overall, the majority of patients received monotherapy (61 %) and followed a weekly (71 %) rather than an every 3 weeks treatment schedule. nab-Paclitaxel was often (31.7 %) combined with targeted therapy (57.5 % with bevacizumab and 23.9 % with trastuzumab or lapatinib). The median duration of therapy was 128 days (4.2 months). For the overall population, median OS was 17.4 months (22.7, 17.4, and 15.1 months in first-, second-, and third-line or later therapy, respectively). Median TNTD was 6.1 months (7.1, 6.6, and 5.3 months in first-, second-, and third-line or later therapy, respectively). For patients aged ≤ 50 years or with ≥ 3 metastatic sites, median OS was 15.6 months. No new safety signal was identified.

Conclusions

In this US healthcare system, the majority of patients received nab-paclitaxel as second-line or later therapy, monotherapy, and weekly treatment. The efficacy and safety outcomes of nab-paclitaxel observed in this real-world setting appear consistent with those from clinical trial data.

Adverse events to nontargeted and targeted chemotherapeutic agents: emphasis on hypersensitivity responses

Use of cytotoxic agents is associated with potential hypersensitivity reactions which are common with platinum compounds, L-asparaginase, taxanes, procarbazine and epipodophyllotoxins. Mechanisms underlying the reactions may involve IgE, non-allergic or a number of pathogenetically unclear events. Targeted therapies produce less collateral damage but demonstrate their own unique reactions. Cytopenias occur less often and mucocutaneous reactions to EGFR inhibitors, including papulopustular rash, are common. Fifteen currently approved mAbs provoke all four types of hypersensitivities including immune cytopenias, vasculitis, serum sickness and pulmonary events. Some successful desensitization protocols have been developed. Prevention of hypersensitivity reactions is based on skin testing, premedication and/or desensitization.

Evaluation and management of hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy agents

Hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy drugs pose significant difficulties in management, especially when no suitable alternative is available or acceptable and delay in continuation of treatment may be life-threatening. Such reactions may be IgE- or non-IgE-mediated and have varied manifestations. Timely recognition and treatment of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions are essential. Identification of patients at high risk of developing hypersensitivity reactions allows risk stratification to guide clinical decision-making. Skin testing for carboplatin hypersensitivity has good predictive value but is not yet established for oxaliplatin and taxane hypersensitivity. Rapid desensitisation may be considered if no suitable alternative drug is available. Available protocols have shown good safety and efficacy but must be performed in an appropriate setting with adequate monitoring. There are many avenues for research into the utility of skin testing for other chemotherapy agents as well as in vitro tests.

Management of hypersensitivity to platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy: cepo review and clinical recommendations

BACKGROUND

Although antineoplastic agents are critical in the treatment of cancer, they can potentially cause hypersensitivity reactions that can have serious consequences. When such a reaction occurs, clinicians can either continue the treatment, at the risk of causing a severe or a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction, or stop the treatment, although it might be the only one available. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effectiveness of methods used to prevent and treat hypersensitivity reactions to platinum- or taxane-based chemotherapy and to develop evidence-based recommendations.

METHODS

The scientific literature published to December 2013, inclusive, was reviewed.

RESULTS

Premedication with antihistamines, H2 blockers, and corticosteroids is not effective in preventing hypersensitivity reactions to platinum salts. However, premedication significantly reduces the incidence of hypersensitivity to taxanes. A skin test can generally be performed to screen for patients at risk of developing a severe reaction to platinum salts in the presence of grade 1 or 2 reactions, but skin testing does not appear to be useful for taxanes. A desensitization protocol allows for re-administration of either platinum- or taxane-based chemotherapy to some patients without causing severe hypersensitivity reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Several strategies such as premedication, skin testing, and desensitization protocols are available to potentially allow for administration of platinum- or taxane-based chemotherapy to patients who have had a hypersensitivity reaction and for whom no other treatment options are available. Considering the available evidence, the Comité de l'évolution des pratiques en oncologie made recommendations for clinical practice in Quebec.

Presentation and management of docetaxel-related adverse effects in patients with breast cancer

The taxane chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel has been utilized in the management of breast cancer in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant and metastatic setting. Although well tolerated by the majority of patients, docetaxel toxicity may limit the dose which can be administered. Adverse events include infusion reactions, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, fluid retention, pneumonitis, cutaneous and nail toxicity, epiphora and lacrimal duct stenosis, gastrointestinal complications, and neuropathies. In this review, we explore these complications and how they can be effectively managed to improve patient quality of life during and following docetaxel therapy.

Taxanes as a first-line systemic treatment in metastatic breast cancer

First-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an important therapeutic setting. Effective treatment of MBC in the initial setting can extend a patient's life and provide significant improvements in quality of life. The taxanes paclitaxel, docetaxel, and nab-paclitaxel have been investigated as first-line therapy for MBC requiring chemotherapy in numerous trials. Results from these trials have demonstrated that taxanes are effective treatments in MBC but also have highlighted differences in their toxicity profiles. Those differences must be taken into consideration when deciding the appropriate treatment for each patient. This article explores the differences among the agents in efficacy and safety in the first-line setting for treating MBC. In addition, administration concerns unique to each taxane are discussed.

IgE and chemotherapy

The nexus of chemotherapeutic intervention and the immunomodulation of IgE-related phenomena are not well understood. The relationship bears importance in better understanding the causal and/or resultant effects of one on the other and their collective role in the management and sequelae of the cancer patient. This review discusses the relationship of chemotherapy on immunoglobulins with a focus on IgE and other related biological processes including hypersensitivity reactions and proposes models toward effective management of the cancer patient in this regard.

Nonallergic drug hypersensitivity reactions

BACKGROUND

Nonallergic drug hypersensitivities, also referred to as pseudoallergic or anaphylactoid reactions, have clinical manifestations that are often indistinguishable from allergic reactions.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed search using the terms 'drug allergy, drug hypersensitivity, pseudoallergies, anaphylaxis and nonallergic drug reactions' and reviewed 511 publications dated between 1970 and 2012. A total of 160 papers that were relevant to the most common nonallergic drug hypersensitivity reactions were selected for discussion.

RESULTS

Nonallergic drug hypersensitivities do not involve either IgE-mediated (type 1) or delayed (type 4) hypersensitivity. Nonallergic hypersensitivities are commonly referred to as pseudoallergic or idiosyncratic reactions. The common nonallergic drug hypersensitivities are secondary to chemotherapeutic drugs, radiocontrast agents, vancomycin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetic reactions and opiates. Protocols for skin testing of radiocontrast, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetics and chemotherapeutic agents have been developed, though most have not been validated or standardized. Other diagnostic tests include in vitro-specific IgE tests, and the current 'gold' standard is usually an oral challenge or bronchoprovocation test. In the case of aspirin, even though it is not believed to be IgE-mediated, a 'desensitization' protocol has been developed and utilized successfully, although the mechanism of this desensitization is unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic methods exist to distinguish allergic from nonallergic drug hypersensitivity reactions. The best option in nonallergic drug hypersensitivity is avoidance. If that is not possible, premedication protocols have been developed, although the success of premedication varies amongst drugs and patients.

Hypersensitivity reactions to anticancer agents: data mining of the public version of the FDA adverse event reporting system, AERS

Background

Previously, adverse event reports (AERs) submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database were reviewed to confirm platinum agent-associated hypersensitivity reactions. The present study was performed to confirm whether the database could suggest the hypersensitivity reactions caused by anticancer agents, paclitaxel, docetaxel, procarbazine, asparaginase, teniposide, and etoposide.

Methods

After a revision of arbitrary drug names and the deletion of duplicated submissions, AERs involving candidate agents were analyzed. The National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 was applied to evaluate the susceptibility to hypersensitivity reactions, and standardized official pharmacovigilance tools were used for quantitative detection of signals, i.e., drug-associated adverse events, including the proportional reporting ratio, the reporting odds ratio, the information component given by a Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, and the empirical Bayes geometric mean.

Results

Based on 1,644,220 AERs from 2004 to 2009, the signals were detected for paclitaxel-associated mild, severe, and lethal hypersensitivity reactions, and docetaxel-associated lethal reactions. However, the total number of adverse events occurring with procarbazine, asparaginase, teniposide, or etoposide was not large enough to detect signals.

Conclusions

The FDA's adverse event reporting system, AERS, and the data mining methods used herein are useful for confirming drug-associated adverse events, but the number of co-occurrences is an important factor in signal detection.