Basophil activation test as a biomarker in allergic patients to platins undergoing rapid desensitization

Background Rapid Drug Desensitization (RDD) has become a cornerstone of the management of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to chemotherapeutic agents, including biologicals. It is the only effective procedure for overcoming HSRs to first-line therapy, thus representing an important advance in patients’ treatment and prognosis. Biomarkers to assess drug sensitization and monitor RDD safety and efficacy are lacking. Preliminary data suggested that in addition to skin testing, basophil activation test (BAT) could be used to assess patient’s IgE sensitization to platins and provide markers of activation to evaluate the response to RDD.