Is there a “new” Taxol® (paclitaxel) that is given more “quickly” with fewer side effects?
You are referring to Abraxane® (nanoparticle albumin-bound [NAB] paclitaxel), a new formulation of paclitaxel. It involves binding of this drug to a common protein, albumin, to make it soluble. Previously, paclitaxel was mixed with the castor-oil derivative called Cremophor®, which had side effects of its own. Cremophor caused allergic reactions and could potentially damage nerves and entrap the drug, hampering its delivery to the tumor cells. To prevent the allergic reactions to Cremophor-based paclitaxel, high doses of steroids along with other drugs, such as Benadryl and Tagamet, needed to be given intravenously and the drug had to be infused more slowly, generally over 3 hours. NAB paclitaxel on the other hand can be infused over 30 minutes and does not require any premedications. In addition, because of this different formulation, higher doses of paclitaxel can be delivered in the NAB paclitaxel form. In a randomized trial comparing 175 mg/m2 of paclitaxel to 260 mg/m2 of NAB pacl
Related Questions
- Can Abraxane® (nanoparticle albumin-bound [NAB] paclitaxel) be given instead of Taxol® (paclitaxel) in the postoperative treatment of cancer?
- How is paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension given (administered)?
- Is there a "new" Taxol® (paclitaxel) that is given more "quickly" with fewer side effects?
