Mast cell tumor medical therapy
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Medical Therapy
The treatment of systemic mastocytosis is mainly focused on avoidance of triggering factors (e.g. physical stimuli such as heat or cold, alcohol, drugs such as aspirin and other NSAIDS) and symptomatic therapy (H1 and H2 antihistamines, proton pump inhibitors, antileukotrienes, anticholinergics, glucocorticoïds, and epinephrine in case of systemic hypotension). In aggressive forms of systemic mastocytosis, treatments such as interferon alpha, cladribin, and imatinib mesylate should to be considered. Imatinib seems to be more effective in patients without the D816V C-kit mutation.[1]
Healthcare providers use several medicines to treat mastocytosis symptoms, including antihistamines (to prevent the effect of mast cell histamine—a chemical) and anticholinergics (to relieve intestinal cramping). A number of medicines treat specific symptoms of mastocytosis.
- Antihistamines frequently treat itching and other skin complaints.
- Certain antihistamines work specifically against ulcers; proton pump inhibitors also relieve ulcer-like symptoms.
- Epinephrine treats symptom flares which occur with shock, referred to as "anaphylaxis."
- Two types of antihistamines treat severe flushing and low blood pressure before symptoms appear.
- Steroids treat malabsorption, or impaired ability to take in nutrients.
- Cromolyn sodium may help reduce cramping in the abdomen.
In cases in which mastocytosis is malignant, cancerous, or associated with a blood disorder, steroids and/or chemotherapy may be necessary.
References
- ↑ Koenig, Martial; Morel, Jérôme; Reynaud, Jacqueline; Varvat, Cécile; Cathébras, Pascal (2008). "An unusual cause of spontaneous bleeding in the intensive care unit – mastocytosis: a case report". Cases Journal. 1 (1): 100. doi:10.1186/1757-1626-1-100. ISSN 1757-1626.