Cancer research
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Studies in humans and mice have demonstrated a nonlinear pharmacokinetic behavior of paclitaxel. Because of its poor water solubility, the drug is formulated in a mixture of Cremophor EL and ethanol (1:1, v/v; Taxol). We hypothesized that the substantial amounts of concurrently administered Cremophor EL on the disposition of paclitaxel, female FVB mice received paclitazel by i.v. injection at does levels of 2, 10, and 20 mg/kg by appropriate (standard) dilution of the commercially available formulation of paclitaxel (Taxol) with saline. ⋯ The Cremophor EL levels in patients were in the same order of magnitude as those observed in mice after administration of 2 and 10 mg/kg. These data demonstrate that Cremophor EL has a profound effect on the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel im mice. Because Cremophor EL also contributes substantially to the nonlinear pharmacokinetic behavior of paclitaxel observed in humans.