Management of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Taxanes

Abstract

Taxanes are an important class of antineoplastic agents used in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers. However, paclitaxel and docetaxel, which are the most commonly used taxanes, elicit immediate hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) in 5% to 10% of patients. Almost all patients that experience these reactions can be safely re-exposed to taxanes either through desensitization or challenge. This article describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of HSRs to taxanes and discusses the different options for their safe readministration.

Keywords: Allergy; Desensitization and challenge; Docetaxel; Hypersensitivity; Paclitaxel; Skin test; Taxane.