Evaluating the efficacy of a premedication regimen including high-dose cetirizine in reduction of hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION

Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) are a known adverse effect of paclitaxel, occurring in approximately 10% of patients, typically during the first or second infusion of the medication. Corticosteroids, histamine-1 and histamine-2 receptor antagonists are given prior to paclitaxel infusions to reduce the incidence of HSR. There are limited data that suggest administration of cetirizine given prior to a platinum infusion as secondary prophylaxis may reduce HSR rates.

METHODS

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a novel paclitaxel hypersensitivity prevention protocol including high-dose cetirizine administered 12 and 6 h prior to paclitaxel infusion on the rate of HSR compared to a historical control. The primary objective was the rate of HSR of any grade after the first cycle of paclitaxel. Secondary outcomes included grade of infusion reaction and incidence of severe HSR.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were included for analysis in the cetirizine group and 124 in the control group. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 37 (16.2%) patients in the overall population, and no statistical difference was observed between groups. (13.46% vs 18.55%;  = 0.23). Numerically more grade 3-4 HSRs occurred in the control group than the treatment group (30.77% vs 69.23;  = 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of cetirizine to paclitaxel infusions resulted in numerically lower rates of HSR and a reduction in severity of grade 3-4 HSRs. Future studies with more robust compliance data and a larger patient population would be needed to appropriately assess the efficacy of our novel treatment regimen.