A Case of Anaphylaxis after the Treatment with Etoposide in a Patient with Small Cell Lung Cancer

Etoposide is a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin that is effective against many cancers including small cell lung cancer. We report a case of etoposide-induced anaphylaxis in a 51-year-old woman who tolerated etopo- side during her first cycle chemotherapy regimen. During the second cycle, she complained of generalized urticaria and dyspnea 5 minutes after being infused with etoposide. She recovered completely with antihistamine, corti- costeroid and fluid replacement. The intradermal skin test with etoposide showed a clear positive immediate reaction. This case suggests that etoposide can induce IgE-mediated anaphylaxis.

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