Abraxane for the treatment of gynecologic cancer patients with severe hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel.

BACKGROUND Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of most gynecologic malignancies. It is solubilized in Cremophor EL, a polyoxyethylated castor oil agent responsible for the high rate of paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reactions. Abraxane, a newer, Cremophor-free form of albumin bound paclitaxel has demonstrated an activity and an improved toxicity profile in breast and lung cancers. CASE REPORTS Five patients with gynecologic cancers (2 ovarian, 2 endometrial, and 1 cervical malignancy) received Abraxane after having a hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel. All five patients tolerated Abraxane well, experiencing no reactions or major side effects to the drug. DISCUSSION Abraxane is well tolerated in women with gynecologic cancer who have experienced a paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reaction. Further studies are ongoing to determine the clinical activity of Abraxane in the treatment of these malignancies.