Immunotherapy for Cat Allergy by Injecting Allergen into the Lymph Node: Safety and Effects on the Immune System

Descrizione riassuntiva dello studio

Cat (hair) allergies are often difficult to treat and significantly affect those affected, as the allergens are hard to avoid. The only approved way to treat the allergy itself is currently subcutaneous immunotherapy. In this treatment, patients are "desensitized" to the allergen by injecting it under the skin in a low, gradually increasing dose. However, individuals with cat allergies often experience side effects during this treatment. A form of immunotherapy that has only been studied so far is called intralymphatic immunotherapy, where the allergen is injected directly into a lymph node under ultrasound control. This directly targets certain immune system cells. Fewer injections are needed compared to subcutaneous immunotherapy, and fewer side effects are expected. This therapy has already been applied in studies with various allergens and showed positive results, although it has been tested on relatively few patients so far. In this study, we aim to investigate whether intralymphatic immunotherapy is well tolerated and safe for cat allergy and whether it shows effects on cat allergy. In the first phase of the study, a well-tolerated and safe dose for the therapy will be determined, and in the second phase, the therapy will be conducted in three different treatment groups. These differ in the dosage of intralymphatic immunotherapy. The treatment will last for three months, followed by a follow-up phase of another three months.

(BASEC)

Intervento studiato

Intralymphatic immunotherapy (immunotherapy by injecting the allergen into the lymph node)

(BASEC)

Malattie studiate

Cat (hair) allergy

(BASEC)

Sponsor

Professor Pål Johansen, Universitätsspital Zürich

(BASEC)

Nome del comitato etico approvante (per studi multicentrici solo il comitato principale)

Commissione etica Zurigo

(BASEC)

Data di approvazione del comitato etico

16.05.2025

(BASEC)

Risultati dello studio