| abstract |
Paclitaxel dosages of about 135 mg/m2 or greater are administered via infusions of less than 6 hours duration; the method makes it possible to provide paclitaxel infusions on an out-patient basis to patients who do not otherwise require hospitalization. In a preferred embodiment, about 135 mg/m2 of paclitaxel in a cremaphor emulsion is infused over a 3-hour duration, following patient pretreatment with steroids, antihistamines, and H2-receptor antagonists sufficient to prevent fatal anaphylactic-like reactions, and preferably sufficient to reduce the occurrence of severe anaphylactic-like reactions in greater than 90% of patients treated. In an alternative embodiment, between 135 mg/m2 and about 175 mg/m2 of paclitaxel is provided in a 3-hour infusion, following pretreatment to minimize hypersensitivity responses. A method for rechallenging patients with paclitaxel episodes of acute hypersensitivity reactions is also disclosed, thus enabling patients to continue paclitaxel therapy who would otherwise be deprived of treatment. |