Management of infusion-related reactions in cancer therapy: strategies and challenges

Management of infusion-related reactions in cancer therapy: strategies and challenges

2024 | A. Barroso, F. Estevinho, V. Hespanho, E. Teixeira, J. Ramalho-Carvalho & A. Araújo
Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) are adverse events that can occur during or shortly after the infusion of anticancer therapies. These reactions can range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to anaphylaxis. IRRs are a significant concern in cancer treatment, as they can compromise patient safety and treatment outcomes. The management of IRRs requires careful monitoring, prompt recognition, and appropriate clinical assessment to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes. Standardization of IRR prevention, management, and reporting across cancer treatment institutions is essential to improve quality and safety in cancer care. IRRs can be classified into immunemediated or non-immune-mediated types. Non-immune-mediated reactions typically occur during or immediately after the first infusion and are commonly associated with monoclonal antibodies and taxane chemotherapies. Immune-mediated reactions, on the other hand, usually manifest in subsequent exposures and are often linked to chemotherapy, particularly platinum compounds. The symptoms of IRRs can vary widely, including mucocutaneous, respiratory, and circulatory manifestations, as well as gastrointestinal and other systemic symptoms. Risk factors for IRRs include the type of anticancer therapy, the route of administration, infusion rate, and patient-related factors such as a history of mild allergic reactions. Strategies to prevent IRRs include risk assessment, the use of premedication, and the administration of anticancer therapies at a graduated infusion rate. Premedication with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antipyretics can help prevent and mitigate IRRs by targeting the mechanisms involved in these reactions. The management of IRRs involves immediate intervention, including stopping the infusion, maintaining intravenous access, and providing supportive care such as oxygen and medications. The severity of the reaction determines whether treatment can be resumed. For mild to moderate reactions, treatment can be restarted at a reduced infusion rate with additional premedication. For severe reactions, more aggressive measures may be required, including the use of epinephrine and corticosteroids. Restarting treatment after an IRR requires careful assessment of the reaction's severity and the potential for a serious recurrence. Patients with severe IRRs may not be restarted, and alternative treatments or desensitization protocols may be considered. A standardized approach to the management of IRRs is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimizing treatment outcomes. This includes the use of standardized protocols, accurate documentation, and clear communication among healthcare providers. The development of standardized reporting procedures for IRRs is also essential for improving data sharing and research efforts.Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) are adverse events that can occur during or shortly after the infusion of anticancer therapies. These reactions can range from mild to severe, with severe cases potentially leading to anaphylaxis. IRRs are a significant concern in cancer treatment, as they can compromise patient safety and treatment outcomes. The management of IRRs requires careful monitoring, prompt recognition, and appropriate clinical assessment to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes. Standardization of IRR prevention, management, and reporting across cancer treatment institutions is essential to improve quality and safety in cancer care. IRRs can be classified into immunemediated or non-immune-mediated types. Non-immune-mediated reactions typically occur during or immediately after the first infusion and are commonly associated with monoclonal antibodies and taxane chemotherapies. Immune-mediated reactions, on the other hand, usually manifest in subsequent exposures and are often linked to chemotherapy, particularly platinum compounds. The symptoms of IRRs can vary widely, including mucocutaneous, respiratory, and circulatory manifestations, as well as gastrointestinal and other systemic symptoms. Risk factors for IRRs include the type of anticancer therapy, the route of administration, infusion rate, and patient-related factors such as a history of mild allergic reactions. Strategies to prevent IRRs include risk assessment, the use of premedication, and the administration of anticancer therapies at a graduated infusion rate. Premedication with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antipyretics can help prevent and mitigate IRRs by targeting the mechanisms involved in these reactions. The management of IRRs involves immediate intervention, including stopping the infusion, maintaining intravenous access, and providing supportive care such as oxygen and medications. The severity of the reaction determines whether treatment can be resumed. For mild to moderate reactions, treatment can be restarted at a reduced infusion rate with additional premedication. For severe reactions, more aggressive measures may be required, including the use of epinephrine and corticosteroids. Restarting treatment after an IRR requires careful assessment of the reaction's severity and the potential for a serious recurrence. Patients with severe IRRs may not be restarted, and alternative treatments or desensitization protocols may be considered. A standardized approach to the management of IRRs is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimizing treatment outcomes. This includes the use of standardized protocols, accurate documentation, and clear communication among healthcare providers. The development of standardized reporting procedures for IRRs is also essential for improving data sharing and research efforts.
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