Successful rechallenge after etoposide infusion related adverse drug reactions

Abstract

Etoposide is an antineoplastic agent widely used for treatment of many pediatric cancers and associated with infusion related adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In this brief report we describe etoposide infusion related ADRs that occurred over a 10-year period at two freestanding pediatric hospitals. Infusion reactions occurred in 1% of patients. Of the 32 patients that experienced adverse reactions, 41% were rechallenged after the reaction and all were able to tolerate at least one future dose with either pre-treatment or extending infusion duration.