title: Anaphylactic reactions to diaziquone.
abstract: Diaziquone, an aziridinylbenzoquinone currently in phase II-III trials, is an alkylating agent, the major toxic effect of which is myelosuppression. We report here on six cases of hypersensitivity attributable to diaziquone. In five patients an acute reaction characterized by hypotension, bronchospasm, and urticaria was observed. In one patient a delayed urticarial rash was noted. Resolution was rapid in all patients but one, who responded to standard treatment over a period of hours. No reaction was fatal. Approximately 2000 patients have been treated with diaziquone in clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. It is suggested that the reaction may not be to the drug itself but to the vehicle (dimethylacetamide) in which diaziquone is formulated. Studies to elucidate the relative contribution of drug and vehicle are warranted.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001388:Aziridines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001389:Azirines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016227:Benzoquinones; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001388:Aziridines; D001389:Azirines; D016227:Benzoquinones; C029108:diaziquone