Vitamin E-Based Paclitaxel May Be Less Neurotoxic

Publication
Article
Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 16 No 6
Volume 16
Issue 6

A novel vitamin E-based paclitaxel emulsion may be less neurotoxic than the currently approved taxanes, including cremophor-based paclitaxel (Taxol), nab-paclitaxel (albumin-bound) (Abraxane), and docetaxel (Taxotere)

LOS ANGELES—A novel vitamin E-based paclitaxel emulsion may be less neurotoxic than the currently approved taxanes, including cremophor-based paclitaxel (Taxol), nab-paclitaxel (albumin-bound) (Abraxane), and docetaxel (Taxotere), according to a preclinical study reported at the 2007 American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting (abstract 1563).

The compound, called Tocosol pacli-taxel (Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Bothell, Washington), was evaluated in rats, which are considered a good animal model for taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy. It was compared with the three other taxanes given once a week for 6 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery period.

All treatments resulted in some degree of peripheral neuropathy, but vitamin E paclitaxel was associated with less nerve fiber degeneration than equivalent doses of the other taxanes, reported Lauren M. Tatalick, DVM, PhD, of Sonus. The vitamin E paclitaxel-treated animals also suffered the least effects in terms of body weight change, roto-rod motor coordination (ability to stay on a rod), and 10-week recovery of sensory nerve conduction velocity (100 mg/m2 dose).

Compared with currently marketed taxane products, vitamin E paclitaxel allows for a shorter infusion time (15 minutes) and requires only minimal preparation prior to administration, Dr. Tatalick said.

Vitamin E paclitaxel is currently being compared with cremophor paclitaxel in a phase III trial of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Enrollment is complete, and adjudicated data are expected in the third quarter of 2007.

Related Videos
Exercise and healthy lifestyles can lower the risk of cancer or the symptoms of cancer treatment despite having genetic dispositions, said Neil M. Iyengar, MD.
The Hispanic Breast Cancer Clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital includes a social worker, nurse practitioners, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and surgeons, says Claudia Tellez, MD.
The goal of creating the Hispanic Breast Cancer Clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is to establish a safe space for Hispanic patients, says Claudia Tellez, MD.
Several factors may contribute to the low Hispanic breast cancer population at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, including a lack of resources and a focus on other disease types.
Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, an expert on breast cancer
Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, an expert on breast cancer
Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, an expert on breast cancer
Hypofractionated radiotherapy yields less financial toxicity than conventionally fractionated radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer who have undergone reconstruction following mastectomy.
Related Content