Clinical analysis of allergic reactions caused by oxaliplatin via transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the clinical manifestations and incidence rate of allergic reactions caused by oxaliplatin via transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) and the related prevention and treatment measures for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The medical records of 677 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma treated with oxaliplatin via TACE between October 2011 and October 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical manifestations and incidence rate of allergic reactions caused by oxaliplatin were evaluated. Results: Eighteen patients(2.7%, 18/677) developed allergic reactions caused by oxaliplatin, including 17 patients with mild to moderate allergic reactions and one patient with severe allergic reactions. Conventional oxygen therapy, antihistamines and steroids were used and all allergic symptoms were effectively alleviated. The incidence rate of allergic reactions of 263 patients who received TACE more than 3 cycles was significantly higher than that of 414 patients received 1-3 cycles of TACE(6.1% vs 0.5%, P 0.001). Conclusion: It is safe to use oxaliplatin via TACE for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The patients who receive more than three cycles of TACE are more likely to develop allergic reactions and more attention should be paied on this problem.