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Changes coming to allergy immunotherapy
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Allergy immunotherapy typically takes months to years until complete resolution of symptoms, but new findings indicate that a different approach may be more effective.
According to data presented during the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual (ACAAI) Scientific Meeting in Boston, patients who received accelerated schedules of immunotherapy experienced the benefits quicker.
“You shouldn’t have to put your life on hold to treat your allergies,” Richard Weber, MD, ACAAI vice president, said in a press release. “Accelerated schedules offer patients more flexibility, faster results and a treatment plan they are more likely to follow because it reflects their needs and busy lifestyle.”
Conventional allergy immunotherapy is typically given once or twice a week for about 5 months until the maintenance dose is reached. However, Weber presented data that showed patients who received “cluster” and “rush” immunotherapy experienced benefits faster and reached their maintenance dose sooner.
Rush immunotherapy generally involves a patient receiving multiple injections 2 or 3 days in a row, but schedules may be varied shorter or longer to suit circumstances. Cluster immunotherapy is administered in two to four injections given 30 minutes apart for 1 day each week for 3 weeks. The goal is to help patients reach a point where they no longer react to the allergen in only a few weeks, according to Weber.
“Research shows accelerated schedules are safe and effective options, and they appeal to patients who do not want to commit to weekly allergy shots for 5 or 6 months,” he said.
There are two new technologies currently under research. Intralymphatic immunotherapy involves injecting allergens into a lymph node, and initial research has shown that this method provides a longer lasting and more effective response. This may correlate to the dose and duration of therapy being shortened, according to an ACAAI press release.
Epicutaneous immunotherapy involves slightly scraping the patient’s skin and applying a patch to deliver the allergens through the bloodstream.
Disclosure: Dr. Weber receives honorarium and is a speaker for AstraZeneca. He has received research grants from Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis.
For more information:
- Weber RW. Accelerated Protocols: Rush and Cluster. Presented at: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting; Nov. 3-8, 2011; Boston.
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