Immunotherapy 101: A Guide to the Efficacy of Oral Immunotherapy in Food Allergies

Food allergies are among the most common illnesses impacting people worldwide. According to a study published in ScienceDirect, understanding the immunopathogenesis of food allergies has significantly improved over the years. Those with food allergies experience a range of symptoms, from mild reactions like itching and hives to severe implications such as anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

The standard treatment for food allergies typically involves avoiding the allergen and treating allergic reactions with medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids. However, frequent use of these medications can lead to side effects and doesn’t address the root cause of the allergy. As a result, there’s been a growing interest in alternative treatments, specifically Oral Immunotherapy (OIT).

What is Oral Immunotherapy?

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a therapeutic strategy specifically designed for individuals with food allergies. This approach involves the deliberate consumption of minute quantities of an allergen, which are methodically increased over a period of time. The primary objective of OIT is to train the immune system to become less sensitive to the allergen, effectively raising the threshold of allergen exposure necessary to provoke an allergic reaction.

How is Oral Immunotherapy Done?

OIT commences with an initial dose escalation day, succeeded by a build-up phase where the dosage is incrementally increased every two weeks. After this, a maintenance phase ensues wherein the highest tolerable dose is continued daily. The effectiveness of OIT is variable among individuals. However, clinical trials have demonstrated that OIT can desensitize approximately 60-80% of patients who are allergic to peanuts, egg, and milk.

Objectives and Advantages of Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising treatment strategy for individuals dealing with food allergies. The fundamental goal of OIT is to recalibrate the immune system’s response to specific allergens, thereby raising the threshold of allergen exposure required to trigger an allergic reaction. This process of desensitization reduces the risk of severe reactions resulting from unexpected or accidental exposure.

A significant benefit of OIT is its potential to substantially enhance the quality of life for individuals grappling with food allergies. Living with food allergies often involves constant vigilance and anxiety over potential accidental ingestion of allergens. Successful OIT can alleviate this stress by increasing tolerance to the allergen.

Furthermore, OIT may provide a sense of freedom and normalcy to patients, as they no longer need to meticulously avoid certain foods. This can be a game-changer, particularly for children, who may find it challenging to understand and navigate their dietary restrictions.

In addition, OIT could potentially reduce healthcare costs in the long term. By mitigating the severity of allergic reactions, OIT could decrease the need for emergency medical interventions and hospitalizations associated with severe allergic reactions.

It’s important to note that while OIT has shown promise, it’s not suitable for everyone and does not represent a cure for food allergies. It is a management tool that must be undertaken under the guidance of a specialist and requires ongoing commitment from the patient.

Who are Eligible for Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)?

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a specialized treatment that is typically administered to individuals who have confirmed food allergies. Proper diagnosis of the allergy is crucial before starting OIT, as it involves the deliberate introduction of the allergenic food into the patient’s diet. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary risks, including the potential development of an allergy where none existed.

The age of the patient is another critical factor in determining eligibility for OIT. The FDA-approved peanut OIT product, Palforzia™, is specifically indicated for patients aged between 4 to 17 years. This approval is based on clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy within this age group.

However, it’s important to note that age restrictions can vary among different OIT programs. Some office-based OIT programs may consider younger or older patients, depending on various factors. These factors can include the individual’s overall health status, the severity of the allergy, and the allergist’s clinical judgment.

Food Allergens & Intake Limitations in Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is designed to work with a wide range of food allergens. The most frequently used ones include;

• Peanuts: Due to the high prevalence of peanut allergies, peanuts are frequently used in OIT programs.
• Milk: Another common allergen, milk, is also often incorporated into OIT treatments.
• Eggs: Given their widespread use in various foods and the commonality of egg allergies, eggs are a typical allergen used in OIT.
• Tree Nuts: Depending on the patient’s specific allergy profile, tree nuts can also be included in an OIT program.
• Wheat: For those with wheat allergies, wheat can be another allergen used in OIT.
• Soy: Soy is also used in OIT for individuals allergic to it.

When it comes to food intake during OIT, it’s crucial to understand that the therapy does not aim to enable unrestricted consumption of the allergenic food. Instead, the goal is to increase the patient’s tolerance to the allergen to a level that protects against severe reactions from accidental ingestion.

The quantity of allergenic food taken during OIT is carefully controlled and varies depending on the individual’s response to the treatment. This process is meticulously supervised by a healthcare professional to ensure safety. The doses start small and are gradually increased over time, based on how well the patient tolerates each dose. This methodical approach helps to minimize the risk of severe allergic reactions during the course of the therapy.

It’s worth noting that even after successful OIT, individuals may still need to maintain a certain level of ongoing daily exposure to the allergen to preserve their increased tolerance. Therefore, regular follow-ups with the allergist or healthcare provider are essential to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

Is There a Possibility of Cure with Oral Immunotherapy?

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) isn’t typically labeled as a “cure” for food allergies, but it can significantly increase a person’s tolerance to specific allergens, thus reducing allergic reactions. 

Research has indicated that OIT can enhance the safety and management of food allergies. Some studies suggest potential improvements in OIT’s effectiveness when combined with other treatments such as Epicutaneous Immunotherapy.

However, there are still areas that require further investigation. For instance, the relationship between eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic immune system disease, and OIT needs more research. Additionally, advancements in treatment protocols, like using Omalizumab to treat multiple foods simultaneously, could make OIT more efficient and effective.

The Risks of Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) offers a beacon of hope in managing food allergies. However, it’s not without potential risks and side effects. Patients may experience allergic reactions that vary from minor symptoms like oral itching or rash to severe life-threatening responses such as anaphylaxis. A chronic immune system disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, is another possible serious risk. Even though systemic allergic reactions are relatively rare with careful monitoring, they cannot be completely ruled out. 

Therefore, while OIT can be a game-changer in reducing the impact of food allergies, it’s crucial for individuals to comprehend these associated risks and undertake the treatment under the vigilant eye of healthcare professionals.

The Potential Impact of Oral Immunotherapy on Food Allergies

In conclusion, while oral immunotherapy may not be a full-fledged cure for food allergies, its ability to boost allergen tolerance and mitigate allergic reactions cannot be understated. This innovative treatment approach presents a promising path forward, offering those with food allergies an opportunity to live with less fear and more freedom.

Even if the benefits might seem minimal to some, the potential to transform lives is significant. As research continues to evolve and refine this method, we can look forward to a future where food allergies are less of a daily concern and more of a manageable condition.