Risk Reduction in Peanut Immunotherapy

Abstract

Complete avoidance of peanut is difficult and accidental reactions are known to occur. Immunotherapy for peanut allergy is a potential treatment option being developed with the potential to reduce the risk of accidental reactions to peanut in the community. This article covers the epidemiology of unexpected allergic reactions to peanut, and outlines definitions of risk and risk reduction with quantitative risk assessment examples. Well-acknowledged future areas of research still exist, especially in the area of longer-term clinical trials or commercial data, which will strengthen the knowledge surrounding risk and potential options for risk reduction in those with peanut allergy.

Keywords: Food allergy; Peanut; Peanut immunotherapy; Quantitative risk assessment; Quantitative risk reduction; Relative risk reduction; Risk assessment; Risk reduction.