Management of acute infusion reactions associated with cetuximab therapy in clinic / 肿瘤

ABSTRACT

Objective: To describe the clinical consequences of acute infusion reactions associated with cetuximab treatment and analyze corresponding managing experience to explore the prevention and treatment approaches. Methods: Clinic staff identified 24 patients with advanced gastric cancer and colorectal cancer who had received chemotherapy combined with cetuximab treatment and experienced an acute infusion reaction. Their clinical manifestation and infusion reaction management procedures were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Acute infusion reactions at grade I - II were observed in 4 of 24 cases (16.7%), occurring during the first 5-10 min after the first administration of cetuximab. Patients complained chills, chest tightness, and low fever (37-38.5°C) after 0.5 h infusion. The symptoms were self relieved after 1-2 h. When cetuximab was recharged at reduced infusion rate and with close monitoring, no acute infusion reactions were observed in the 4 patients. Conclusion: Discontinuation of cetuximab therapy is not necessary for the patients who experienced grade I - II infusion reaction mild-to-moderate reactions can be managed by reduction of the infusion rate and close observation of the symptoms. Patients who experienced grade III or IV infusion reactions may require permanent discontinuation of cetuximab therapy.