Chemotherapy Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immediate vs. Non-Immediate Responses and How to Manage Them

Introduction Hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy—ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis—can complicate treatment and require expert diagnosis and management. Immediate Reactions: Diagnosis and ManagementImmediate hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapies are relatively common and easier to confirm compared to non-immediate reactions. Symptoms such as urticaria, wheezing, or anaphylaxis often appear during or shortly after drug administration. In some cases, nausea, vomiting, or back pain may also occur as part of anaphylaxis symptoms, though these are less typical and can overlap with side effects of chemotherapy itself. Key Diagnostic Tools:• Skin Testing with…

Read More

Understanding the Evolving Landscape: New Nomenclature for Allergic Diseases and Hypersensitivity Reactions

Recent advances in immunology have deepened our understanding of allergic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions. Traditionally classified using the Gell-Coombs system (Types I-IV), the increasing complexity of these conditions has led to a proposed new nomenclature, especially for Type IV hypersensitivity. This blog provides an overview of the new classification and its clinical implications. Overview of Traditional Hypersensitivity Classification The Gell-Coombs classification includes:   Here are the novel classifications of hypersensitivity reactions according to the new European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Position Paper published in Allergy. 2023 Nov;78(11):2851-2874. and…

Read More

Drug Allergy Testing: A Comprehensive Guide

Available Drug Allergy Skin Tests Drug allergy skin tests play a crucial role in diagnosing potential allergic reactions to medications. Among the most common tests are the prick test, intradermal test, and patch test. Each of these tests has specific methodologies, applications, and diagnostic capabilities. The prick test, also known as a scratch test, is frequently used to identify immediate allergic reactions. During this test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin, usually on the forearm or back, and the skin is lightly pricked with…

Read More