Oral immunotherapy for children with cashew nut allergies
Efficacy of Oral Immunotherapy for Cashew Allergy in Children Aged 1 to 17 Years: a Clinical Prospective Randomized Controlled Interventional Trial
This study tests if giving cashew nuts in small amounts can help children with cashew nut allergies build tolerance and reduce their allergic reactions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Year to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HUS Skin and Allergy Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki) |
| Trial ID | NCT06930950 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effectiveness of oral immunotherapy (OIT) specifically for children aged 6 months to 17 years who are allergic to cashew nuts. The approach involves gradually introducing cashew nuts to increase tolerance and potentially achieve desensitization. The study aims to address the rising incidence of severe allergic reactions to cashew nuts in Finland, where traditional avoidance strategies have proven insufficient. Participants will undergo a positive oral food challenge to confirm their allergy before starting the treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 months to 17 years who have a confirmed allergy to cashew nuts.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled asthma, severe atopic dermatitis, or other significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions in children with cashew nut allergies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on oral immunotherapy for other food allergies have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach with cashew nuts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 6 months - 17 years 2. Sensitization to cashew nut (allergen-specific IgE or positive skin PRICK test) 3. Positive oral food challenge for cashew nut Exclusion Criteria: 1. Poor adherence 2. Uncontrolled or severe asthma 3. Uncontrolled active or severe or atopic dermatitis 4. Chronic urticaria 5. Eosinophilic esophagitis or other gastrointestinal eosinophilic disorders 6. Active malignant neoplasia 7. Active systemic, autoimmune disease 8. Diabetes treated with insulin 9. Severe systemic illness or severe medical conditions such as cardiovascular or lung diseases 10. Medication with beta blockers 11. Medication with ACE-inhibitors 12. Mastocytosis 13. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 14. Language barriers (not fluent Finnish or Swedish)
Where this trial is running
Helsinki
- HUS Skin and Allergy Hospital — Helsinki, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Heidi Sandström, MD
- Email: heidi.sandstrom@hus.fi
- Phone: +358 50 428 7931
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.