Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy

Abstract

Subcutaneous venom immunotherapy is the only effective treatment for patients who experience severe hymenoptera sting-induced allergic reactions, and the treatment also improves health-related quality of life. This article examines advances in various areas of this treatment, which include the immunological mechanisms of early and long-term efficacy, indications and contraindications, selection of venom, treatment protocols, duration, risk factors for systemic reactions in untreated and treated patients as well as for relapse following cessation of treatment. Current and future strategies for improving safety and efficacy are also examined. However, although progress in the past few years has been fruitful, much remains to be accomplished.

KEYWORDS::

• build-up phase protocol
• efficacy
• future strategies
• indications
• mechanisms
• recombinant venom allergens
• relapse
• risk factors
• safety
• venom immunotherapy

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties. Writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. The authors wish to thank Paul Bowerbank for his help in reviewing the English of the paper.

Notes

Adapted from [1,130,131].

Question marks indicate the existence of discordant data on these topics.

Question marks indicate the existence of discordant data on these topics.