Date of Award

Spring 5-2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Staveteig, Mindy

Keywords

food allergies, oral immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, omalizumab, Xolair

Abstract

Food allergies are classified as an immune hyperreaction that leads to various symptoms that can range from mild to severe and even result in death. Often, management of food allergies includes avoidance of triggering substances or rescue treatment after exposure has occurred. This literature review aims to examine preventative management options for food allergies, including oral immunotherapy, and recent medications, including monoclonal antibodies. The databases searched for this literature review include PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Additional references were also selected from reference lists in those studies as they pertained. This review explores the success in reaching desensitization following treatment with oral immunotherapy (OIT) or monoclonal antibodies (MAB) or combinations of the two treatments and the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option in preventing food allergic reactions. The literature has shown that depending on patient’s allergies and immunoglobin E (IgE) levels, they may benefit more from one treatment over the other. Studies have shown that individuals with multiple food allergies have a higher success at reaching allergen desensitization with MAB as the medication can desensitize someone to multiple allergens simultaneously. When looking at baseline IgE levels, higher levels have been shown to benefit more and have a higher success rate of desensitization from a combination of OIT and MAB, as they are more at risk of developing reactions. In comparison, individuals with a lower baseline IgE level had a higher success rate of desensitization with OIT alone. Current guidelines in the United States still focus on food allergen avoidance, but newer therapies have shown promising outcomes in developing food desensitization and preventing allergic reactions.

Download

Share

COinS