Significant hypersensitivity with paclitaxel managed by a 50 hour infusion

Abstract

Paclitaxel is a new antineoplastic agent isolated from the bark of the Western Yew tree. It can be associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Usually these reactions are prevented through the use of a premedication regimen including dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, and cimetidine. Some patients, however, have difficulty tolerating the paclitaxel despite premedication. We report the case of a patient who developed a hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel. We were able to administer the paclitaxel by extending the infusion time to ap proximately 50 hours. This strategy could poten tially be used for patients whose hypersensitivity reaction appears rate related.