Allergen immunotherapy may help achieve remission in eosinophilic esophagitis

A recent review by Joshua Ang presented in the Scientific Abstract Session of American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting found suggests that immunotherapy may improve clinical symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and also assist in achieving remission.

The study reviewed literature published between 2007-2022 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of allergen immunotherapy in achieving remission or relief of symptoms in EoE, a condition triggered by environmental allergens. The review found that the use of immunotherapy to treat EoE has not been thoroughly investigated, but the limited evidence suggests that immunotherapy may improve clinical symptoms and assist in achieving EoE remission without causing any adverse events.

The review discussed three studies. The first was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 20 pediatric patients, which found no significant difference in eosinophil count between patients receiving epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) and placebo in the intent to treat group. However, in the per protocol population, 47% of the patients receiving EPIT achieved less than 15 eos/hpf at the end of the study, and symptoms were improved in the EPIT group compared to the placebo group.