Emerging Allergy Immunotherapy

Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT) in Indiana

A specialized approach to allergen immunotherapy for environmental allergies.

Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT) uses ultrasound-guided injections to deliver allergen extract directly into the lymph node. ILIT can provide allergy relief with as few as three injections. Spend less time in the office... and more time doing what you love.

Dr. Neha Yakhmi offers ILIT to patients seeking allergy relief in Indiana at her Allergy Innovations offices in Westfield and Kokomo. ILIT can reduce the time spent in-office, duration of treatment, and number of shots compared to traditional allergy shots.

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What is ILIT?

What Is Intralymphatic Immunotherapy?

ILIT is the quickest way to effective allergy relief. Tiny amounts of FDA-approved allergenic extracts are mixed and injected directly into the lymph nodes using ultrasound guidance to target key immune cells. Lower dosing is needed for this highly specialized therapy vs traditional allergy shots (SCIT), which means fewer side effects. After a series of three injections given four weeks apart, ILIT can accomplish what other forms of immunotherapy take years to achieve. Each injection session is followed by a short 60-minute wait to ensure there is no reaction, similar to traditional immunotherapy.

ILIT is designed to achieve the same allergy relief for environmental allergens such as pollens, pet dander, or dust mites as traditional allergy shots in a fraction of the number of visits.

ILIT is currently considered an emerging approach. Traditional subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) remains the most established and widely used form of allergy immunotherapy in the United States.

ILIT IN INDIANA

Where Is ILIT Available in Indiana?

ILIT consultations and treatment are available through Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Innovations.

Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Innovations

Kokomo Office
2216 W. Alto Road
Kokomo, IN 46902
Westfield Office
17600 Shamrock Blvd. Suite 1403
Westfield, IN 46074
Phone: (765) 802-1433
Fax: (765) 802-1434
Email: [email protected]
Website: Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Innovations

Patients from Central Indiana and surrounding communities may contact the practice to discuss whether an ILIT consultation is appropriate for their allergy treatment needs.

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Treatment Comparison

Comparing ILIT to Other Immunotherapy Options

Comparison of common allergen immunotherapy approaches
ILIT Allergy Shots (SCIT) Allergy Drops (SLIT)
Doses 3 injections over 8 weeks 80-90 injections over 5 years 1000-1800 over 3-5 years
Ages ~12 and up ~5 and up ~2 and up
Average time in office 4.5 hours 40-50 hours 3-6 hours
Cost $3300 at Allergy Innovations $5000-$7000 (before insurance) $125/month ($4500-$7500 total)

ILIT vs. Allergy Shots and Allergy Drops

Traditional allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) have been used for decades and have an extensive evidence base.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is another form of allergen immunotherapy. SLIT utilizes liquid allergy drops containing FDA-approved allergen extracts administured daily under the tongue, beginning with medical supervision in the office, but generally continued at home.

ILIT differs from both approaches because allergen extract is delivered directly into a lymph node using ultrasound guidance. Though newer, the first evidence for ILIT is over two decades old. Protocols generally use three injections over the course of eight weeks.

Treatment schedules and allergen eligibility vary, ensure you consult a board-certified Allergist before beginning any allergy immunotherapy.

CANDIDATES

Who May Be a Candidate for ILIT?

ILIT may be considered for some patients with environmental allergies who are candidates for allergen immunotherapy. A physician must evaluate the patient's allergy history, testing results, previous treatments, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending ILIT.

ILIT may be discussed as an alternative to conventional allergy shots for patients who are interested in a shorter treatment schedule. Not every patient is an appropriate candidate.

ILIT care in Indiana

Neha Yakhmi, MD

Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. Dr. Yakhmi provides allergy and immunology care for children and adults at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Innovations, with offices in Kokomo and Westfield, Indiana

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Physician Perspective

ILIT in Clinical Practice

As a board-certified allergist and immunologist, I am committed to providing evidence-based care while staying informed about promising advances in allergy treatment.

ILIT has generated significant interest because it offers a more streamlined immunotherapy approach than traditional allergy shot schedules. Published studies have reported encouraging outcomes in selected patient populations.

I believe patients deserve an honest discussion about both established and emerging treatment options. During consultation, we review your allergy history, testing results, treatment goals, available alternatives, and current evidence to determine whether ILIT may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

My goal is not to recommend ILIT for every patient, but rather to help each individual understand all available options and select the treatment strategy that best aligns with their medical needs and lifestyle.

Important Information About ILIT

Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT) is considered an investigational form of allergen immunotherapy in the United States.

Although clinical studies have reported promising results in selected patients, ILIT has not replaced conventional allergy immunotherapy and remains an area of ongoing research.

Patients interested in ILIT should schedule an evaluation with a physician experienced in ILIT to determine whether they may be appropriate candidates.

Risks and Important Considerations

As with all forms of allergen immunotherapy, treatment can be associated with risks, including local reactions and allergic reactions.

ILIT should only be performed by appropriately trained physicians in a medical setting equipped to recognize and manage allergic emergencies.

Your physician will discuss potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and limitations before treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About ILIT

ILIT is a form of allergen immunotherapy delivered directly into a lymph node using ultrasound guidance.

In Intralymphatic immunotherapy, small amounts of FDA-approved allergen extracts are delivered directly into the lymph node via ultrasound-guided injection. In the lymphnode, .....[answer].

ILIT for environmental allergens is considered an investigational use of FDA-approved allergen extracts. Regulatory status can vary depending on the specific treatment protocol and allergen extracts used. Discuss current availability during consultation.

ILIT is considered a self-pay procedure and is not covered by many insurance plans. Our office can help discuss billing and reimbursement considerations.

The best way to determine eligibility is through consultation with a physician who offers ILIT and can review your medical history, allergy testing, and treatment goals.

Published ILIT protocols have commonly involved a limited number of treatment visits, although treatment recommendations vary based on physician assessment and clinical circumstances.

To the best of our knowledge, ILIT is only available in Indiana at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Innovations offices in Westfield, IN and Kokomo, IN.

ILIT and traditional allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy, or SCIT) utilize the same FDA-approved allergen extracts. They differ in the specific injection route (intralymphatic vs subcutaneous), does (ILIT utilizes lower doses), frequency of dosing (ILIT protocols utilize three doses, four weeks apart, vs weekly to bi-weekly dosing for SCIT), and duration of treatment (ILIT can be completed in as few as three visits, while SCIT may take in excess of two years).

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Ready to discuss ILIT?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yakhmi at Allergy Innovations in Kokomo or Westfield.

Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Innovations

Phone: (765) 802-1433
Website: Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Innovations
Selected References

Peer-Reviewed Publications

  1. Senti G, et al. Intralymphatic allergen administration renders specific immunotherapy faster and safer: A randomized controlled trial. PNAS. 2008.
  2. Senti G, Kündig TM. Intralymphatic immunotherapy. World Allergy Organization Journal 2015.
  3. Adlany YK, et al. Quality of life in allergic rhinitis patients treated with ILIT: A 19-year follow-up. JACI Global. 2023.
  4. Werner MT, Bosso JV. Intralymphatic immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy & Asthma Proceedings. 2021.
  5. Aini NR, et al. Efficacy and safety of intralymphatic immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical & Translational Allergy. 2021.