restart carboplatin after mild allergy

[Dolores8]

Skin test showed mild allergy to carboplatin treatment after 6th treatment. I was also taking taxol. My doctor has tried six drugs over the past 18 months and my ca-125 test just keeps going up. It has gone from about 90 to over 1000 curently. It seems to me that Carboplatin is the only drug that has been effective at all. Can I be de-sensitized to carboplatin and re-start the treatment. My doctor said that I can not have any more carbo based on the skin test which gave the very mild reaction 18 monthe ago. I feel that re-starting the carbo makes sense. Since my Doctor will not treat me with carbo, who in Georgia (or Southeast) does the de-sensitization.


This discussion is related to Carboplatin Allergic Reaction.

[vegas2cr]

Hi, I have seen severe reactions in chemo patients and they change the drip flow. they can and do desentitize for carbo.. perhaps you need to be more upfront with your doctor or try another one.. I was fortunate and never had a problem and  I wish you much luck..

[gah_70]

I also have an allergy to Carbo, and was told by one doctor I can't have it anymore.  BUT, I went for a second opinion and now have a doctor I trust completely who is very up-to-date on current treatments for OvCa.  I am on an aromatase inhibitor at the moment instead of IV chemo, but my newer doc tells me when the time comes to go back in IV chemo, he would probably recommend going back on Carbo through desensitization.  There are a few ways it can be done, but it's up to your treating physician to decide how.  One way is to consult with an Allergist who can also help oversee the desensitization process.  Many times, it only involves slowing the infusion...in some cases over a period of several days.  This does require a hospital stay.  Some doctors try various types of antihistamines to help control the allergy.  I can't give you any info on a specific doctor, but if you don't have luck finding one in your area, you might try Shands in Jacksonville, FL.  I know they offer several clinical trials, so you would probably have pretty good luck finding a GYN/ONC who is willing to work with you on it.

Good luck to you!

Gail  

[withe]

At Yale, New haven Ct. they desensitize pt. to carbo. I understand that not all facilities do so. Ask your Onoc to ref you to one in your area that does.
I have had  allergic reactions to chemos...( not carbo ) but Taxol , Navelbine and now Irinotecan.  Allergists and immunologists  have consulted on my case and I have had my chemo diluted and infused at a much slower drip. I will have the Irinotecan infused next week in a monitored setting and will begin desensitivization the day before by taking benedryl, decadron and emend?. So far desensitivization has worked for me and I have witnessed several woman go through it like a charm with carbo.
Good luck and see if you can get a referrred. Withe