Docexan

/in /by
Docexan

Generic Name:Docetaxel

Indications

Docexan is a microtubule inhibitor indicated for:

  • Breast Cancer (BC): single agent for locally advanced or metastatic BC after chemotherapy failure; and with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as adjuvant treatment of operable node-positive BC
  • Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): single agent for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after platinum therapy failure; and with cisplatin for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic untreated NSCLC
  • Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC): with prednisone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
  • Gastric Adenocarcinoma (GC): with cisplatin and fluorouracil for untreated, advanced GC, including the gastroesophageal junction
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN): with cisplatin and fluorouracil for induction treatment of locally advanced SCCHN

Pharmacology

Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent, which acts by disrupting the microtubular network in cells that is essential for vital mitotic and interphase cellular functions. Docetaxel promotes the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules while simultaneously inhibiting their disassembly. Docetaxel binds to free tubulin thereby decreasing the critical intracellular concentration of tubulin. The promoted polymerization of microtubules leads to the production of microtubule bundles without normal function and to the stabilization of microtubules, resulting in the inhibition of mitosis in cells. The binding of Docetaxel to microtubules does not alter the number of protofilaments in the bound microtubules; in that, it differs from other spindle poisons. Docetaxel was found to be cytotoxic in vitro against various murine and human tumor cell lines, and against freshly excised human tumor cells in clonogenic assays. In addition, Docetaxel was found to be active on a number of cell lines overexpressing the p-glycoprotein, which is encoded by the multidrug resistant gene.

Dosage & Administration

Administer in a facility equipped to manage possible complications (e.g., anaphylaxis). Administer intravenously (IV) over 1 hr every 3 weeks. PVC equipment is not recommended. Use only a 21 gauge needle to withdraw docetaxel from the vial.

  • BC locally advanced or metastatic: 60 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2 single agent
  • BC adjuvant: 75 mg/m2 administered 1 hour after doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 6 cycles
  • NSCLC: after platinum therapy failure: 75 mg/m2 single agent
  • NSCLC: chemotherapy-naive: 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 
  • HRPC: 75 mg/m2 with 5 mg prednisone twice a day continuously
  • GC: 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 (both on day 1 only) followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m2 per day as a 24-hr IV (days 1-5), starting at end of cisplatin infusion
  • SCCHN: 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 IV (day 1), followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m2 per day as a 24-hr IV (days 1–5), starting at end of cisplatinin fusion; for 4 cycles
  • SCCHN: 75 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m2 IV (day 1), followed by fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2 per day as a 24-hr IV (days 1–4); for 3 cycles

For all patients:

  • Premedicate with oral corticosteroids
  • Adjust dose as needed