Yes. “Evidence-based medicine” is a term used in healthcare to describe medical decisions made based on demonstrable scientific proof versus medical decisions made based on theory or expert opinion (which are also important and necessary parts of good healthcare). As of 2013, there had been 77 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials investigating sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), per the World Allergy Organization. There have been more studies since, as this form of treatment previously primarily used in Europe is gaining exposure and acceptance in the US.
These studies have repeatedly demonstrated the efficacy of both environmental and food allergen SLIT in symptom relief, disease reduction, and disease prevention. These results stem from short-term and long-term immune system modification and retraining. They have also demonstrated the safety of the sublingual immunotherapy method in general and in comparison to other forms of immunotherapy available such as allergy shots and oral immunotherapy. Studies looking at the unique immune cells found in the sublingual area of the mouth (oral Langerhans cells), in comparison with the immune cells found in the skin or elsewhere in the body, have reported that these oral Langerhans cells appear to have different properties when exposed to antigens – properties that promote tolerance generation and calming of the rest of the immune system rather than the typical activation response. All of this scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports SLIT as an important and appropriate evidence-based medicine treatment method for patients with allergic conditions.
At Allergenuity Health, we strongly promote the use of evidence-based medicine methods and also support science-based and common sense-based creative innovation. We recognize that “standardization studies” of immune system modifying treatments like sublingual immunotherapy are inherently limited because each person has unique immune system, genetic, and environmental factors, and furthermore has unique medical goals and needs. Therefore, we strongly support personalization of immunotherapy strategies, based on scientific principles, by those knowledgeable on the subject matter in order to optimize each patient’s care.