Desensitization for Allergic Reactions to Chemotherapy

Drug desensitization is procedure by which patients can be tolerized to medications that have previously induced hypersensitivity reactions. Initially used in treating hypersensitivity reactions to antibiotics, desensitization is now frequently used in the setting of allergy to chemotherapy drugs and biologics, thus widening the clinical applicability of this procedure which has been proven to be quite safe and effective in improving clinical outcomes, mainly by allowing patients to remain on preferred first-line therapy. This paper reviews the history, application, and safety studies of drug desensitization for chemotherapy and biologics.