Hypersensitivity Reactions to Oxaliplatin: Clinical Features and Risk Factors in Koreans

Background and Aim: Oxaliplatin hypersensitivity is a well-known adverse reaction but the prevalencevaries and data for frequency and clinical features have not been reported for Korea. Here we evaluatesthe prevalence and risk factors for hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin after chemotherapy.
Methods:Clinical information on all patients treated with oxaliplatin was retrospectively reviewed in electronicmedical records between August 2009 and July 2010 in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Patientswho experienced hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin were compared with those who did not.
Results: Atotal of 393 patients received oxaliplatin, with 42 (10.7%) experiencing hypersensitivity reactions includingthree cases of anaphylaxis. Median cycle of the first hypersensitivity reaction was 8. Reactions correlatedwith lower dexamethasone doses. Other variables were not significant.
Conclusions: The prevalence ofhypersensitivity reactions was 10.7%, symptoms being mostly mild and cutaneous. Lower dexamethasonedoses could be a predictor for hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin.