Author | Anthony J. Cmelak, MD

February 02, 2009

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. They can occur despite adequate preparation and premedication.

February 02, 2009

Infusion reactions (IRs) can be broadly categorized by their immunologic mechanism. Anaphylaxis is a systemic, immediate hypersensitivity reaction mediated by factors released from interactions between immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mast cells that produce an antigen-antibody reaction.[1] Anaphylactoid reactions can be differentiated from anaphlaxis by the fact that they are not IgE-mediated but rather cytokine-mediated.

July 01, 2001

Traditionally, the role of chemotherapy in the treatment ofsquamous carcinoma of the head and neck has been confined to patients with

October 01, 1999

Traditionally, treatment for locally advanced resectable head and neck cancer has been surgical resection followed by postoperative radiation. In unresectable patients, primary radiation has been the mainstay of