A modified, prolonged desensitization protocol in carboplatin allergy.

Carboplatin (CP) is the mainstay therapy in ovarian and testicular carcinoma. Several cases of allergic reactions to CP have been descr ibed? -3 Pre t rea tment with steroids and antihistamines did not prevent recurrent reactions. 1,3 A successful 4-hour desensitization protocol was documen ted in a single pa t i en t? We describe two patients allergic to CP who had recurrent reactions while undergoing the 4-hour desensit ization protocol . One of the patients had an allergic react ion on receiving a diluted solution of CP (1/100 of the total dose). In an a t tempt to overcome these reactions, we designed a modified protocol , which was pro longed to more than 3 days, for one of the patients. This modificat ion enabled both patients to receive the p lanned CP dose without adverse effects for numerous t rea tment courses.