Imatinib Desensitization After a Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction in a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Patient-A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Imatinib treatment is approved for several indications, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Although adverse events are common, hypersensitivity reactions are not. Because there is a clear clinical benefit of imatinib treatment, re-introduction of imatinib after a hypersensitivity reaction should be considered.

CASE: Here we present a case report of a 68-year-old patient with a GIST diagnosis who was re-introduced to imatinib after a type IV hypersensitivity reaction via desensitization. A desensitization plan, a plan for formulation of low-dose imatinib capsules, and the essential steps when considering desensitization are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Our case of a patient with a type IV hypersensitivity reaction after starting imatinib treatment demonstrates that desensitization is a feasible option after serious cutaneous adverse events in specific cases, when done with good interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical management.