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Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion Reactions: Etiology, Prediction and Management by Nurse Practitioners By LYNETTE V. MARSHALL A master's project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTERS OF NURSING WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY- YAKIMA, WA College of Nursing May 2012

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Page 1: Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion Reactions: Etiology ... Antibodies Infusion Reactions: Etiology, Prediction and Management by Nurse ... Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion Reactions: Etiology,

Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion Reactions:�

Etiology, Prediction and Management by Nurse Practitioners�

By

LYNETTE V. MARSHALL�

A master's project submitted in partial fulfillment�

of the requirements for the degree of�

MASTERS OF NURSING�

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY- YAKIMA, WA�

College of Nursing�

May 2012�

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To the Faculty of Washington State University:

The members of the Committee appointed to the examine the master's project of

LYNETTE VICTORIA MARSHALL find it satisfactory and recommend that it be

accepted.

Mel Haberman, PhD, RN, FAAN, Chair

Lorna Schumann, PhD, ACNP-BC, NP-C, ACNS-BC

CCRN,ARNP,FNP,FAANP

Denise Smart, DrPH, BSN, RN

ii

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Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion Reactions:

Etiology, Prediction, and Management by Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

by Lynette V. Marshall

Washington State University

May 2012

Chair: Mel Haberman

Submitting to the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing: Etiology, Prediction and

Management of Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion Reactions.

Monoclonal antibodies have an increased risk of infusion reaction. Factors in the

etiology of infusion reactions include percentage of mouse protein; immune response

and cytokine release. Reactions typically occur with the initial infusion and in the

presence higher tumor burdens. Predictive factors of infusion reactions include prior first

infusions, increased amounts of lymphocytes, geographical region and rapid infusions.

Management of reactions includes consideration of a test dose, premedication,

supportive care and treatment alternatives of fully humanized monoclonal antibodies.

Additional management options include desensitization protocols, as well as standing

orders and crash cart availability.

... To improve patient safety, an emphasis is needed on staff education and the

development of a process to evaluate and identify patients at risk. Standardized clinical

pathways, policies and procedures need to be well rehearsed by staff to reduce

iii

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negative consequences of infusion reactions. More research is needed on the

identification of risk factors, as well as a clearer understanding of the mechanism of a

monoclonal antibody infusion reaction. Monetary implications and hospitalizations are

important to further determine the direct cost of infusion reactions of monoclonal

antibodies.

Keywords.~ monoclonal antibodies, infusion reactions, oncology, adults

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page�

ABSTRACT iii�

TABLE OF FIGURES............................................................................. vi�

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM 1�

SEARCH STRATEGIES 3�

THEORECTICAL FRAMEWORK.............................................................. 3�

LITERATURE REViEW............... 4�

FACTORS THAT CAUSE INFUSION REACTIONS 4�

FACTORS THAT PREDICT INFUSION REACTIONS 6�

MANAGEMENT OF INFUSION REACTIONS.................................... 8�

DiSCUSSiON....................................................................................... 11�

SIGNIFICANCE TO NURSE PRACTITIONERS........................................... 13�

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH 14�

REFERENCES 15�

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LIST OF FIGURES

Page

FIGURE 1: Symptom Management ModeL............................................... .... 19

vi

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LIST OF TABLES

Page

TABLE 1: Summary of Literature Review.

vii

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Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion Reactions: Etiology, Prediction, and Management

Statement of the Problem

Monoclonal antibodies are biologic agents approved by the Food and Drug

Administration for oncology treatment. Rituximab was the first monoclonal antibody

developed and used for the treatment of follicular lymphoma in 1997 (Chung, 2008).

Vogel (2010) defined monoclonal antibodies as antibodies secreted by a B-Iymphocyte,

designed to recognize specific protein markers (antigens) on the surface of a foreign

cell and create an immune response marking ~he cell for destruction. Monoclonal

antibodies are engineered with two binding arms, one binding to the tumor cell and the

other binding to the effector cell, creating antibody mediated cell kill referred to as

targeted ,therapy (Harris, 2004). Targeted therapy triggers the immune system to

activate the complement system causing cell lysis and programmed c~1I death (Harris

2004). Many monoclonal antibodies have been developed, approved and used for a

variety of cancers. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody consisting of 34% mouse

protein; new scientific developments have created humanized variations of monoclonal

antibodies with 10% mouse protein and xenomouse variants (genetically engineered

mouse protein) with 100% human protein (Kang, 2007).The percentage of mouse

protein is a causal factor in immunogenic responses, including infusion reaction (Kang,

2007).

When any infusional agent is injected into a person's venous system, there is

always a risk of reaction. Infusion reactions are defined as symptoms associated with a

complex of chills, fever, nausea, asthenia, headache, skin rash, pruritus or severe

1

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hypersensitivity reaction characterized by bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria or

cardiac arrest (Chung, 2008). The typical infusion reaction i~ a type I hypersensitivity

reaction caused by a release of immune modulators and inflammatory cytokines (Siena

et aI., 2010). A type I reaction is characterized as an activation of IgE (immunoglobulin

E) causing an immediate allergic reaction. IgE is the antibody produced by plasma cells

during allergen exposure (Banasik, 2009). A type I reaction typically occurs after a

previous exposure to an allergen creating a higher level of IgE in the blood system to

activate a hypersensitivity response (Banasik, 2009). Cytokines promote inflammation

and encourage the activation of white blood cells, playing an important role in the

immune response and creating intercellular communication in the body's immune

system (Banasik, 2009).

The question can be asked, "How can oncology nurse practitioners predict and

manage infusion reactions from monoclonal antibodies to diminish the clinical

consequences of these reactions?" A nurse practitioner is defined as a registered nurse

with advanced education that assumes primary responsibility for continuous and

comprehensive management of a broad range of patients (Washington State

Legislature, 2011 ).The purposes of this paper are to examine the evidence for (a)

factors that cause oncologic monoclonal antibody infusion reactions, (b) factors that

predict reactions, and (c) best practices for the management of reactions by nurse

practitioners.

2�

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Search Strategies

Google Scholar through the WSU library website was utilized using research key

words, "monoclonal antibodies," "infusion reactions," "oncology," and "adults." Four

hundred thirty-six articles were found, of which twenty-five were reviewed and eight

.were chosen. Pubmed was employed for a second search using key words of "infusion

reactions with monoclonal antibodies" and "adult cancer treatment." Fifty-one articles

were found, twenty were reviewed and eight were chosen. Articles consisted of chart

reviews, research studies, meta-analysis and literature reviews. The sixteen chosen

articles were organized into three sections: factors that cause reactions to monoclonal

antibodies (three articles), factors that predict infusion reactions (six articles) and

management of infusion reactions (seven articles). All the articles were chosen due to

their subject matter, appropriateness to this literature review and availability. In addition

to the literature review, several websites were also utilized to assist in the definition of

the nurse practitioner role, to search for a theoretical framework and to contribute to the

understanding of the engineering of the monoclonal antibodies.

Theoretical Framework

The model of symptom management is a conceptual framework developed by

Marylin Dodd and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco School of

Nursing symptom management group (http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/rcsm.htm).ltis a

deductive middle-range theory (Linder, 2010). The overarching concepts that encircle

the model include person, environment, and health/illness (see Figure 1). Within these

circles, three dimensions are identified: symptom experience, symptom management

3�

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strategie's and symptom outcomes. The premise is that all three of these dimensions

are interrelated and need to be considered when examining symptom management

(Larson et aI., 1994). The model depicts the inter-relationships among the three

symptom dimensions with bidirectional arrows.

Symptom management is a dynamic process that changes due to patients

responses (Larson et aI., 1994). The model accounts for the patient, family, health care

system and health care provider along with the perception, evaluation, a.nd health

outcomes to symptom management (Larson et aI., 1994). For the purpose of this paper

an acute infusion reaction is a side-effect symptom of a monoclonal antibody infusion.

The symptom management model proposes that a symptom is a subjective experience

that changes a person's biopsychosocial functioning, sensation and or cognition (Larson

et aI., 1994).

Literature Review

The literature review is organized into three sections based on the final

categorization of the fifteen articles selected at the conclusion of the literature search.

Each section is now described and a table summarizes the review (see Table 1).

Factors that Cause Infusion Reactions

Vogel (2010) performed a meta-analysis focusing on the etiology of infusion

reactions, using rituximab as the example. The body's immune system responds to any

foreign agent causing a reaction that can be mild to hypersensitive. These responses

are a result of a B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes recognizing an antigen on foreign

cells, eliciting an immune response and destroying the cell (Vogel, 2010). Monoclonal

4

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antibodies are a clone of a B lymphocyte designed to target specific tumor antigens.

When cells are destroyed, cytokines are released, creating infusion reactions similar to

a type I hypersensitivity reaction typically occurring with the first infusion and or a higher

tumor burden (Vogel 2010).

Kang and Saif (2007) conducted a literature review consisting of a description of

the construction of monoclonal antibodies and the percentage of mouse protein that

results in immunological responses. Reaction to the different monoclonal antibodies is

not clearly understood; however, there is a correlation between percentage of mouse

protein and per<?entage of overall incidence of infusion reaction (Kang &Saif, 2007).

Infusion reaction pathophysiology is not completely understood or described in the

literature, but it seems to be partially due to cytokine release or have an IgE

(immunoglobulin E) mediated component (Kang & Saif, 2007).

Patel, Archie and Goldberg (2006) explained through a meta-analysis that

monoclonal antibodies are derived from mice proteins that form human anti-mouse

antibodies that are substantially immunogenic. The development of three variations of

monoclonal antibodies-- chimeric, humanized, human-- decreases the percentage of

mice protein, resulting in a lower immunogenic response (Patel, Archie & Goldb'erg,

2006). Although the true etiology of infusion reactions is still unclear, the literature

supports the premise that reactions are not IgE mediated. Evidence indicates the

majority of reactions occur with first infusions. One plausible hypothesis for first infusion

reactions could be the exposure to the murine (mouse) protein in urban settings that

causes sensitivity (Patel et aI., 2006).

5

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Factors that Predict Infusion Reactions

Chung (2008) conducted a literature review summarizing that, even though

infusion reactions vary with monoclonal antibodies, reactions predominantly occur with

the first infusion. Severity of infusion reactions has a direct correlation with the amount

of lymphocytes, Le., the greater the amount of circulating lymphocytes, ~he higher the

risk and severity of the infusion reaction (Chung, 2008). The presence of C-lgE (anti­

cetuximab immunoglobulin E, an IgE that cross-reacts with a monoclonal antibody

cetuximab), results in a higher rate of infusion reaction (Chung, 2008).

The presence of C-lgE is geographically distributed (Chung, 2008). O'Neil et al.

(2007) conducted a retrospective chart review (N= 88) showing a 200/0 higher

hypersensitivity rate to cetuximab in Tennessee and North Carolina, compared to less

than 30/0 nationally. This finding suggested a pre-existing immunoglobulin E-based

immune reaction to cetuximab. O'Neil and colleagues (2007) speculated a cross­

reactive response in this region of the United States was caused by prior exposure to

mouse antigen or another antigen that mimics cetuximab.

Reidy et al. (2007) examined the infusion length time of the monoclonal antibody

bevacizumab in a sample of 1,077 persons at a 5mg/kg dose. The authors' discussed

how infusion lengths are established empirically before a phase 1 clinical trial begins,

typically based on laboratory data, logical considerations or pragmatically based

information (Reidy et aI., 2007). The study concluded that the rate of infusion did not

contribute to an increased rate of infusion reactions, recommending a standardized in

fusion rate of 0.5mg/kg/minute (Reidy et aI., 2007).

6

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Tuthill, Crook, Corbet, King and Webb (2009) examined infusion rates of

rituximab (chimeric monoclonal antibody with 34% mouse protein). Initial infusion rates

of rituximab were typically six hours in length with subsequent infusions given over four

hours. The results found no infusion reactions in the 54 participants enrolled in the

study. The initial infusion of four hours was followed by rapid infusion of one hour on the

second and subsequent infusions (Tuthill, Crook, Corbet, King &Webb, 2009). It was

concluded that the absence of infusion reactions following a rapid administration time of

sixty minutes suggested safe administration with greater patient satisfaction (Tuthill et

aI., 2009).

A case report by Zahrani, Ibrahim and Eid (2009) also examined the rate of

infusions of monoclonal antibodies, specifically rituximab. A small sample (N=21)

tolerated a rapid administration with only three mild infusion reactions, one· with nasal

congestion, one with abdominal pain and one with facial itchiness and redness. The

investigators' concluded that the rate of infusion did not contribute to an increase in

infusion reactions (Zahrani, Ibrahim & Eid, 2009).

Schwartzberg et al. (2009) investigated the implications of infusion reactions for

the patient, caregiver and clinical practice. Although the study's intent was to examine

the impact of infusion reactions on staff time, resources and cost, additional information

was examined for infusion reactions. Of the 165 participants, fifty-eight (35%)

experienced reactions during infusions ranging from mild to severe. The 48 mild

reactions consisted of flushing, itching, nausea and vomiting, hypotension, chills and

rigors, muscle aches and rhinitis (Schwartzberg et aI., 2009). The 10 severe reactions

included difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting and hypotension (Schwartzberg et aI.,

7�

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2009). These reactions resulted' in an increase in time spent in the outpatient clinic,

diminishing any advantage gained by a shorter infusion time (Schwartzberg et aI.,

2009).

Man'agement of Infusion Reactions

George et al. (2010) conducted research using a retrospective cohort design to

document the management of infusion reactions in patients receiving cetuximab. The

research discovered that admir)istration of a small test dose of cetuximab under

observation was a factor that influences patient safety, staff effici~ncy and financial

resources, resulting in an 87% cost saving (George et aI., 2010). The authors'

recommended including premedication of both intravenous corticosteroid and an H1

antagonist prophylactically; they also suggested using panitumumab (fully humanized

monoclonal antibody) in cases of colorectal cancer (George et aI., 2010).

Siena et al. (2010) performed a post-hoc analysis of the data obtained from the

multinational MABEL study (monoclonal antibody Erbitux in European pre-license). The

authors' evaluated premedication in relation to response efficacy. A corticosteroid, plus

antihistamine, prophylactically administered, resulted in 1% of patients with a grade 3 to

4 reaction, versus 4.7% who received antihistamines alone. The grading and terms

employed to describe reactions were based on The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory

Activities (MedDRA v8.1); the grade 3-4 reactions were mainly hypersensitivity and

dyspnea (Siena et aI., (2010). It was concluded that patients susceptible to infusion

reactions should receive a corticosteroid, plus antihistamine premedication, while

reducing the infusion rate to maintain therapeutic efficacy (Siena et aI., 2010). The

8�

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unreliability of using a,n initial test dose to prescreen patients at-risk for an infusion

reaction with cetuximab was discussed (Siena' et aI., 2010).

Schwartzberg, Stepanski, Fortner and Houts (2008) conducted a retrospective

ch,art review (N= 76) of the infusion of three different monoclonal antibodies, focusing on

the infusion management and reactions. The premedication of antihistamine,

acetaminophen and corticosteroids in combination was examined. Interventions to

manage infusion reactions included oxygen, corticosteroids, intravenous, fluid

resuscitation, antihistamines, epinephrine, H2 blockers and narcotics. The data

indicated one-third of patients experienced a rituximab infusion reaction (Schwartzberg,

Stepanski, Fortner & Houts, 2008). The consequences of the infusion reactions included

dose delays, unplanned hospitalizations and permanent discontinuation of treatment.

Brugger (2010) published a case report that described exchanging cetuximab

(chimeric monoclonal antibody) for the fully humanized monoclonal antibody

panitumumab in a patient that had a severe infusion reaction to cetuximab. The initial

infusion of cetuximab consistently showed mild to moderate reactions at a rate of 16%­

19%, whereas, panitumumab had a 1%-3% incidence of reaction (Brugger, 2010). This

limited case report demonstrated that even without premedication, panitumumab was

well-tolerated, with a low rate of infusion reaction, adding to the growing list of treatment

options for post-severe infusion reactions (Brugger, 2010).

Heun and Holen (2007) presented in a case report, replacing cetuximab with

panitumumab, when a severe infusion reaction was experienced. Panitumumab and

cetuximab target the same epidermal growth factor receptor that is linked to increased

9�

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metastasis and a poor prognosis (Heun & Holen, 2007). The severe infusion

hypersensitivity reactions observed with cetuximab were not observed with

panitumumab. It was speculated that the hypersensitivity reactions were due to the

murine component (mouse protein) in cetuximab.

Lenz (2007) conducted a literature review outlining the therapeutic management

of and preparedness for infusion reactions, including monoclonal antibodies.

Hypersensitivity reactions are unpredictable, necessitating immediate intervention and

the availability of standing orders and a crash cart (Lenz, 2007). Lenz (2007) placed

importance on the accuracy of grading the severity of the infusion reaction to determine

if a re-challenge of the infusional agent is an option.

Brennan, Bouza, Hsu, Sloane and Castello (2009) studied desensitization

procedures in 23 patients experiencing hypersensitivity infusion reactions and

.concluded that rapid desensitization was a promising method to rechallange monoclonal

antibodies after an infusion reaction. The investigators performed an elaborate

evaluation to determine appropriate patients, classifications of past infusion re~ctions

and skin hypersensitivity testing to select the participants. A twelve-step desensitization

process Was used to successfully administer 105 rapid desensitizations (Brennan,

Bouza, Hsu, Sloane & Castello, 2009).The desensitization consisted of one-on-one

nursing, premedication and the use of three different concentrated solutions of the

monoclonal antibody. The rate of each solution was increased 2 to 2 1/2 fold until the

target concentration and rate was achieved (Brennan et aI., 2009).

10�

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Discussion

The evidence supports a conclusion that monoclonal antibodies have an

increased risk of infusion reaction,. particularly with the initial infusion. The etiology of

infusion reactions is complex. Vogel (2010) explained that monoclonal antibodies cause

the release of cytokines when a targeted cell is destroyed. This cytokine release mimics

a type I hypersensitivity reaction in appearance alone; however, the timing of the

release is not similar to a type-1 reaction since the symptoms associated with a cytokine

release syndrome subside with each subsequent infusion (Vogel, 2010).

The highest tumor burden is at the initial infusion of the monoclonal antibody.

Although Kang and Saif (2007) agreed with the cytokine release syndrome, their focus

was on the percent of mouse protein in the monoclonal antibody that caused an

immunological response resulting in infusion reactions. IgE-mediated severe infusion

reactions in later secondary or subsequent infusion cycles had a short time of onset,

suggestive of a type-I hypersensitivity reaction (Kang and Saif, 2007). Patel et al. (2006)

agreed that the smaller the percentage of mouse protein per monoclonal antibody the

less immunogenicity. Patel et al. (2006) supported the evidence that a monoclonal

antibody infusion reaction does not suggest IgE mediation·, because the reactions

typically happen at the initial infusion and a re-challenge of the medication was

successful.

The literature provides evidence to answer two remaining questions, "How can

oncology nurse practitioners predict and manage infusion reactions from monoclonal

antibodies to diminish the clinical consequences of these reactions?" And, "Is there a

11�

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particular population that is more prone"to infusion reactions than others?" Chung

(2008) identified factors that predict reactions during initial infusions as, a high

lymphocyte count and presence of IgE-C. O'Neil et al. (2007) suggested there is a

geographical predominance to infusion reactions associated with living in the United

States middle south, stating reactions are due to a prior exposure to mouse protein and

that a geographical risk assessment should be'obtained prior to the initial infusion.

Reidy et al. (2007), Tuthill et al. (2009) and Zahrani et al. (2009) concluded that a rapid

infusion of monoclonal antibodies does not contribute to infusion reactions.

Interestingly, Schwartzberg et al. (2009) ,concluded the opposite, positing a direct

positive relationship between faster infusion time and a higher incidence of infusion

reactions. Reactions resulted in patients spending more time in clinic, increasing their

healthcare costs and adding staff time.

George et al. (2010), Sienna et al. (2009) and Schwartzberg et al. (2007)

supported the use of premedication of at least a corticosteroid in combination with an

antihistamine for prevention of infusion reactions. George et al. (2010) recommended a

test dose to detect hypersensitivity prior to the infusion of a monoclonal antibody.

Premedication prevents adverse infusion reactions, reduces complications from dose

delays, reduces the need for additional staff resources and increases over all cure

rates.

Brugger (2010), Heun and Holen (2007) supported the option of replacing the

monoclonal antibody cetuximab with panitumumab, due to the latter's lower reaction

rate and more successful outcomes. Lenz (2007) recommended immediate intervention,

clear policies and procedures, preparedness for infusion reactions with standing orders

12�

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and a crash cart in close vicinity when dealing with potential infusion reaction victims.

Another key to immediate intervention is patient education pertaining to the symptoms

that signal an infusion reaction and early communication to the nursing staff of any

physical changes experienced during an infusion. Many times, treatment options are

limited when a medication must be administered that is specific to the type of cancer.

Brennan et al. (2009) explained a desensitization protocol that successfully

accomplished completion of infusion post reaction making rechallenge of monoclonal

antibodies possible.

Significance to Nurse Practitioners

Patient symptom management is the key to reducing life-threatening reactions

and for overall treatment success. Dodd and colleagues model of symptom

management informs the nursing care related to infusion reactions. It conceptually links

infusion reaction, the prediction of reactions and the pre-screening for hypersensitivity to

the appropriate management of infusion reactions.

Infusion reactions affect all aspects of the healthcare system (staffing, costs, and

resources) making management of this symptom a priority. Nursing goals can be

targeted to educate staff on the etiology and risk factors of infusion reactions, ~nd

create a process for evaluating and obtaini.ng a baseline assessment and identification

of patients at risk (Vogel 2006). It is important to establish a greater understanding of

the underlying nature of the events in order to identify patients at risk and to provide

symptom management and optimal prophylaxis (Chung, 2008). Moreover, standardized

clinic or unit procedures and policies are required for the proper administration of

13�

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interventions that help mitigate severity of infusion reactions (Patel, 2006). Clinical

pathways, care directives and planned, well-rehearsed responses to infusion reaction

events ultimately reduce the negative consequences of infusion reactions, dose delays,

hospitalization and permanent discontinuation of treatment (Schwartzberg et aI., 2007).

The inter-relationships among all of these aforementioned clinical factors can be

elaborated by using the sym.ptoms management model.

Recommendations for Future Research

The risk of infusion reactions with monoclonal antibodies continues to influence

patient outcomes. Kang and Saif (2007) suggested that more research is needed to

identify risk factors for severe infusion reactions and to achieve a better understanding

of the pharmacokinetics of monoclonal antibodies. O'Neil et al. (2007) argued that

further investigation of more specific predictors of hypersensitivity reaction in the United

States middle south region is warranted. Additional research is needed ·prior to routine

substitution of panitumumab for cetuximab, along with further studies to understand the

etiology of hypersensitivity reaction to validate the benefit of a test dose and IgE testing

to predict high risk patients (George et aI., 2010). Siena et al. (2007) concluded that a

study comparing histamine and corticosteroid premedication versus histamine alone

would be helpful in further strengthening the evidence of need of prophylaxis.

Schwartzberg et al. (2007) suggested that future studies should determine the direct

cost of infusion reactions and related hospitalizations.

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Figure 1. Symptom Management Model

Environ­ ealth &,ment IUnessPhysical Risk Factors

Social Heal Status Cultural Disease &

Injury

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Table 1. Summary of Literature Review

Factors that Cause Infusion Reactions

Authors

Vogel (2010)

Kang and Saif (2007)

Patel et al. (2006)

Type of Research

Meta-Analysis

Literature Review

Meta-Analysis

Factors that Predict Infusion Reactions

Authors

Chung (2008)

O'Neil et al. (2007)

Reidy et al. (2007)

Tuthill et al. (2009)�

Zahrani et al. (2009)�

Schwartzberg et al. (2009)�

Type of Research

Literature Review

Chart Review (N= 88)

Retrospective Chart Review� (N= 1077)�

Research Study (N= 54)�

Case Report (N= 21)�

Research Study (N= 161)�

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Conclusions

Reactions are due to an immune response or cytokine release reaction Correlation between mouse protein and cytokine release reaction IgE mediated component Relationship between prior mouse protein exposure and reaction Not IgE mediated

Conclusions

Infusion reactions typically happen with first infusions, elevated levels of lymphocytes and presence of C-lgE

Increased risk of infusion reaction with prior exposure to mouse protein Faster rate of infusion does not contribute to increased rate of reaction Rapid infusion of 60 minutes equals safe administration Rate of infusion does not contribute to increased rate of reactions 35% of infusions reacted to shorter infusion times

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Management of Infusion Reactions

Authors Type of Research

George et al. (2010) Research Study (N=54)

Siena et al. (2009)� Post Hoc Analysis

Schwartzberg et al. (2008)� Retrospective Chart Review (N= 76)

Brugger (2010)� Case Report

Heun and Holen (2007) Case Report

Lenz (2007) Literature Review

Brennan et al. (2009)� Research Study (N= 105)

Conclusions

Recommend test dose, premedication with corticosteroids, H1 antagonist and consider substitution of panitumumab Test dose is not reliable, premedicate with corticosteroid and antihistamine Premedicate with antihistamine, acetaminophen and corticosteroids. Manage reaction with 02, corticosteroids, IV fluid, antihistamines, epinephrine, H2 blockers and narcotics Without premedication, panitumumab was well tolerated in exchange for cetuximab The severe reactions seen with cetuximab were not seen with panitumumab Reactions are unpredictable, requiring immediate intervention and accurate grading of the reaction Desensitization is a promising method for rechallenge

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