Safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel administered to breast cancer patients with clinical contraindications to paclitaxel or docetaxel: Four case reports

Abstract

Taxanes, including paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel (DOC), are poorly soluble in water due to their hydrophobic properties and thus, require solvents. However, use of these solvents has been associated with toxic responses, including a hypersensitivity reaction (HSR). Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) is a novel formulation of PTX, which allows reconstitution of the agent with a saline solution instead of solvents and administration without premedication for HSRs. The current study reports the safe administration of nab-PTX to four breast cancer patients considered clinically to have contraindications to PTX or DOC. Two of the patients had previously experienced HSRs to PTX or DOC and the other two patients had contraindications to steroids as a premedication for HSRs, since one patient suffered from diabetes and the other was a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. All 4 patients were safely administered nab-PTX. In conclusion, administration of nab-PTX appears to be effective for patients that have previously experienced HSRs to other taxanes or in those with contraindications to steroids.