Consensus on allergen specific immunotherapy
Musarra, A.; Bilò, M.B.; Bonini, S.; Canonica, G.W.; Senna, G.E.
European Annals of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 45(Suppl 3): 1-49
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1764-1489 PMID: 26046171 Document Number: 16370
The outcomes highlighted by the discussion among the Authors represent the main points of strength and novelty of this document. In fact, on one hand, they provide a remarkable quantity of hints and ideas that should be further developed over the upcoming years to identify and define improved trials aimed at supplying further evidence of the key role played by allergen specific immunotherapy. On the other hand, they focus on strategies that should be followed to increase knowledge and awareness about allergen specific immunotherapy through new and more effective means of communication, not only among allergy specialists and general practitioners but also among patients, the general public and policy makers. In this framework, Allergy Societies are called upon to expand on shared strategies that may allow to identify and overcome regulatory and pharmacoeconomic issues (what benefit at what cost?) and put forward a harmonised refundco-payment proposal for therapies that prove to have an actual 'effectiveness'. It is evident that a viable SIT needs to be characterized by a high quality profile, which is a prerequisite to underpin appropriate standards and regulations that take into account eligibility criteria for patients. Such a step requires highly specialized expertise and is not the mere outcome of automatic measures that often damage the image and credibility of the therapy itself. The defence of allergen specific immunotherapy also requires the full compliance with an ethical and deontological code. Only such a strong and firm commitment, shared among practitioners and manufacturers, will represent a safeguard against hazardous and self-destructive cultural biases. The possibility made available to allergy specialists to opt for either subcutaneous or sublingual administration route, based not only on clinical evidence but also on social, economic and behavioural aspects and following an appropriate evaluation of cost-risk-benefit ratio and the overall management and organisational framework in which the individual specialist is active, must be seen as a precious opportunity and no longer as a reason for internal competition. Finally, the Authors strongly believe that only through a strong and continued commitment of all stakeholders, in particular manufacturing companies and scientific societies, based on an accountable 'partner relationship management' model going beyond traditional systems, will it be possible to achieve future developments and enhance the role of allergen specific immunotherapy in Italy.
Document emailed within 1 workday
