What is Cluster Immunotherapy?
Cluster immunotherapy is an accelerated version of traditional immunotherapy. Our standard immunotherapy build up schedule calls for 27 incremental doses given once or twice a week. In Cluster, this build up period is condensed into 8 ‘sessions’ held once or, ideally, twice a week. At each session, the patient will receive 2-3 doses of immunotherapy separated by a 30 minute waiting period. While sessions may last up to 90 minutes, a patient can reach maintenance dosages in as little as 4 weeks. Such a schedule is very appealing to patients desiring to see results more quickly or whose schedule is better suited to a more intensive initial phase of immunotherapy.
What is Sublingual Immunotherapy?
Sublingual immunotherapy utilizes allergens administered in a liquid or tablet form under the tongue to achieve immune changes as seen in traditional immunotherapy. Sublingual immunotherapy is currently not FDA approved in the United States, but research in both the US and abroad, demonstrate that sublingual immunotherapy can be a safe and effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. Allergy Partners physicians have been deeply involved in sublingual immunotherapy studies and development. After a careful review of all the current available data, Allergy Partners is pleased to announce that we will begin offering this form of immunotherapy to appropriate patients. Patients for whom this treatment may be a good option include those who are needle phobic, those who have not tolerated traditional immunotherapy well, and those with isolated seasonal symptoms. In addition, sublingual immunotherapy appears to be an exciting option for young children.
Talk with your Allergy Partners physician today to determine which method may be best suited for your individual situation.
