Infusion Reactions

ONCOLOGY: February 2009 Volume 23 Number 2 Supplement 1

Infusion Reactions Associated With Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients With Solid Tumors
This supplement and associated publication costs were funded by Amgen

Infusion reactions are well-known in cancer treatment, occurring with both cytotoxic and biologic agents. The five articles presented in this supplement to ONCOLOGY cover a wide range of topics related to antibody-induced infusion reactions: immunologic mechanisms and risk factors; a focus on anaphylaxis; US and EU perspectives on the state of clinical trials; a health economic analysis of the burden on patients, caregivers, and providers; and a nursing perspective on infusion reaction management.

Infusion Reactions Supplement

Introduction: Infusion Reactions Associated With Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients With Solid Tumors
February 1, 2009

SUPPLEMENT
Infusion reactions are a well-known phenomenon in cancer treatment, occurring with both cytotoxic and biologic agents. The severity, symptomatology, and time course of these hypersensitivity events differ significantly among agents, ranging from simple cutaneous manifestations and urticaria to life-threatening hypotension, bronchospasm, and vascular collapse.

Health Economic Analysis of the Burden of Infusion Reactions on Patients, Caregivers, and Providers
February 1, 2009

SUPPLEMENT
In recent years, both the cost and efficiency of medical care have emerged as important considerations and areas of research. These considerations are of particular importance in the outpatient community oncology setting, where the demands for clinical productivity and evidence for quality and effectiveness are increasing amidst an evolving reimbursement system.

Management of Hypersensitivity Reactions: A Nursing Perspective
February 1, 2009

Oncology clinicians administer monoclonal antibodies as part of the armamentarium against cancer. Nurses are skilled in the management of general treatment-related symptoms and are knowledgeable regarding the care of patients receiving these therapies. New therapies require expanded knowledge bases regarding unique and selective side effects, such as those seen with targeted therapy agents.

Management of Infusion Reactions in Clinical Trials and Beyond: The US and EU Perspectives
February 1, 2009

SUPPLEMENT
Infusion reactions can be broadly categorized by their immunologic mechanism. Anaphylaxis is a systemic, immediate hypersensitivity reaction mediated by factors released from interactions between immunoglobulin E and mast cells that produce an antigen-antibody reaction. Anaphylactoid reactions can be differentiated from anaphlaxis by the fact that they are not IgE-mediated but rather cytokine-mediated.

Infusion Reactions to Monoclonal Antibodies for Solid Tumors: Immunologic Mechanisms and Risk Factors
February 1, 2009

SUPPLEMENT
The use of engineered monoclonal antibodies as antineoplastic therapy has been a significant advance within the past 15 years. These agents target various receptors and ligands required for the proliferation, survival, or maintenance of angiogenesis of tumors.

Anaphylaxis: Implications of Monoclonal Antibody Use in Oncology
February 1, 2009

SUPPLEMENT
The phenomenon of anaphylaxis was discovered by Portier and Richet in 1903. They injected dogs with toxins from sea anemone with the intent of generating protective antibodies. Unexpectedly, they found that certain dogs became ill with a rapid heartbeat and collapse. Because this syndrome was the precise opposite of protection or prophylaxis, they termed it anaphylaxis.