Rapid desensitization and rush immunotherapy to trastuzumab (Herceptin)

Trastuzumab therapy has been shown to improve survival and to cause tumor regression in selected patients with metastatic breast cancer. 1 Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including respiratory distress, angioedema, and anaphylactoid symptoms, has been reported in 2.5 % of patients treated with trastuzumab.2 We here report 2 cases of rapid desensitization and rush immunotherapy to trastuzumab. In October 2000 she was treated with vinorelbine, docetaxel, paclitaxel, and trastuzumab. Because of cardiac and neurotoxicity, she remained on trastuzumab alone, and her disease went into remission.