Management of adverse reactions induced by chemotherapy drugs

Purpose of review There is a broad spectrum of chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions are being extensively studied as they can affect the ideal treatment. The goal of this review is to describe the current management of adverse reactions to chemotherapy, focusing on hypersensitivity events. Recent findings The range of possible desensitization protocols is increasing, as well as the delabeling algorithms and diagnostic tools. One-bag desensitization protocols, omalizumab use in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, slow desensitization protocols in nonimmediate hypersensitivity reactions and standardization of skin tests for platinum drugs, are some examples. The handling of adverse reactions to chemotherapy is evolving, with the increasing identification of hypersensitivity reactions and the development of strategies for their management, to maintain the culprit drug.