Phase I trial of taxol given as a 3-hour infusion every 21 days Journal Article


Authors: Kris, M. G.; O'Connell, J. P.; Gralla, R. J.; Wertheim, M. S.; Parente, R. M.; Schiff, P. B.; Young, C. W.
Article Title: Phase I trial of taxol given as a 3-hour infusion every 21 days
Abstract: Taxol is a unique plant product that promotes in vitro assembly of microtubules. In a phase I trial, adults with advanced solid tumors were given taxol (formulated with cremophor EL and dehydrated alcohol) as a 3-hour iv infusion every 21 days. The total dose administered ranged from 15 to 230 mg/m2 in nine escalation steps. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea and vomiting, alopecia, stomatitis, transient rashes, increases in serum triglyceride levels, and hypersensitivity reactions were observed. Hypersensitivity reactions characterized by acute dyspnea, generalized erythema, and hypotension immediately following the initiation of the taxol infusion occurred in three of five patients receiving ≥190 mg/m2 (18% of patients overall). No antitumor activity was observed. Hypersensitivity reactions constituted a treatment-limiting toxicity for this preparation of taxol given on this schedule over the dosage range examined. With the severity and unpredictability of the hypersensitivity reactions, further usage of taxol is not indicated with this drug formulation on this administration schedule. Further studies are warranted to uncover ways to permit the safe administration of taxol.
Keywords: adult; cancer chemotherapy; clinical article; aged; middle aged; drug efficacy; skin toxicity; solid tumor; paclitaxel; neoplasms; nausea; stomatitis; vomiting; drug administration schedule; antineoplastic agents, phytogenic; calcium; antineoplastic activity; drug hypersensitivity; rash; gastrointestinal toxicity; hypotension; cardiovascular system; erythema; methylprednisolone; phase 1 clinical trial; drug therapy; microtubule; alkaloids; alopecia; anaphylaxis; adverse drug reaction; mouth; therapy; dopamine; hypersensitivity reaction; hypertriglyceridemia; clinical trials; infusions, parenteral; intravenous drug administration; bronchospasm; diphenhydramine; bone marrow depression; adrenalin; drug evaluation; intoxication; respiratory system; cremophor; humans; human; male; female; priority journal; article; hypersensitivity, immediate; isoprenaline; blood and hemopoietic system
Journal Title: Cancer Treatment Reports
Volume: 70
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0361-5960
Publisher: National Cancer Institute  
Date Published: 1986-05-01
Start Page: 605
End Page: 607
Language: English
PUBMED: 2871928
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 18 August 2021 -- Source: Scopus
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Mark Kris
    869 Kris
  2. Charles W Young
    82 Young
  3. Richard J. Gralla
    69 Gralla