Risk Factors Associated with Hypersensitivity Reactions to Cetuximab: Anti-Cetuximab IgE Detection As Screening Test

AIM:To describe the factors associated with a high risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to cetuximab.PATIENTS & METHODS:We retrospectively studied a cohort of patients living in Normandy (France) treated with cetuximab.RESULTS:Among the 229 treated patients, 24 (10.5%) had a hypersensitivity reaction to cetuximab, including 11 grade 3-5 reactions. Detection of anti-cetuximab IgE could be performed in 108 patients. Anti-cetuximab IgE was found in 13 of 17 patients (76.5%) who had a hypersensitivity reaction to cetuximab compared with 17 of 91 control patients (18.7%; adjusted odds ratio: 14.99; 95% CI: 3.59-62.63). No clinical criteria predicted the risk of allergy to cetuximab.CONCLUSION:Anti-cetuximab IgE may help physicians identify patients at risk of a hypersensitivity reaction to cetuximab.