Platinum Chemotherapy Hypersensitivity: Prevalence and Management

Hypersensitivity reactions to platinum agents are common. For carboplatin and cisplatin, the first hypersensitivity reaction typically occurs around the second and third re-exposure during the second line of therapy (eighth and ninth courses overall). For oxaliplatin, the first hypersensitivity reaction can occur throughout the treatment course. Skin testing helps risk stratify patients to appropriate desensitization protocols and assess risk for breakthrough HSRs during desensitization. A risk-stratification protocol using 3 serial skin tests and desensitization protocols enables patients with platinum agent hypersensitivity to receive first-line chemotherapy treatment safely.