DOI: 10.1177/03946320261472669 ISSN: 0394-6320

Atypical cytokine release syndrome induced by carboplatin: The first described case report

Maria Cruz Torres Górriz, Julian Borrás Cuartero, Anna Bosh Requena, Dah Tay Jang, Ernesto Enrique

Introduction

Hypersensitivity reactions to carboplatin include type I reactions, mixed reactions, and delayed reactions.

Case report

We report a case of an atypical cytokine release syndrome induced by carboplatin in a patient with breast carcinoma.

Management & outcome

The patient developed clinical manifestations consisting of a delayed cytokine release syndrome following administration of carboplatin and paclitaxel. To establish the diagnosis, she underwent a double desensitization protocol over two consecutive days with paclitaxel and carboplatin. A delayed elevation of interleukin-6 after carboplatin supported the diagnosis of an isolated cytokine release syndrome. The patient subsequently continued treatment with paclitaxel through standard infusions and with carboplatin using a desensitization protocol.

Discussion

Cytokine release syndrome associated with carboplatin has been previously reported as occurring immediately after infusion and as part of a mixed phenotype (type I and cytokine release). A delayed-onset cytokine release syndrome induced by carboplatin, occurring outside the context of a mixed reaction, is reported.

Conclusion

Cytokine release syndrome may present as an isolated, delayed reaction following carboplatin infusion. Measurement of interleukin-6 may be a valuable diagnostic tool for confirming the diagnosis of cytokine release syndrome.