Desensitization treatment with cisplatin after carboplatin hypersensitivity reaction in gynecologic cancer

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard regimen for the treatment of gynecologic cancers; however, hypersensitivity reactions (HR) to platinum often lead to discontinuation of this effective treatment. Here we performed a desensitization protocol for platinum infusion in 3 patients who required platinum re-administration after developing HR. Two patients (Case 1 and 2) were treated with the desensitization protocol successfully without developing HR during the subsequent 3 courses. Case 3 tolerated desensitization well for 2 courses, but in the 3rd course, she developed severe HR immediately after the initiation of cisplatin infusion because the desensitization protocol was unintentionally omitted. These cases show the usefulness and effectiveness of the desensitization protocol for the continuation of platinum treatment in patients who have undergone an extended number of treatments. J. Med. Invest. 57 : 163-167, February, 2010