Hypersensitivity reactions to trimetrexate.
Trimetrexate is a nonclassical antifol currently being tested for efficacy in cancer patients and as an antiparasitic agent against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in AIDS patients. We have now received the first reports of hypersensitivity reactions in Phase II cancer trials. Two types of reactions were noted. The most severe reaction, immediate hypotension with loss of consciousness, occurred in only one patient. Four other patients exhibited an immediate systemic effect with one or more of the following symptoms: facial flushing, fever, shaking, pruritus, bronchospasm, periorbital edema, and difficulty in swallowing. Immediate hypersensitivity should now be considered a known side effect of trimetrexate therapy, occurring in less than 2% of patients.
Grem
J L
JL
Investigational Drug Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD.
King
S A
SA
Costanza
M E
ME
Brown
T D
TD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016597:Trimetrexate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists; D011799:Quinazolines; D016597:Trimetrexate