Safely Stopping Pre-medications in Patients With Breast Cancer Who Are Receiving Paclitaxel
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2024-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This phase II/III trial investigates the difference in rates of infusion hypersensitivity
reaction in patients with breast cancer who are receiving paclitaxel alone or in combination
with other cancer drugs which require parenteral rescue medication after stopping standard
pre-medications (dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, famotidine/cimetidine/ranitidine), compared
to continuing premedications. Paclitaxel is a drug used to treat breast cancer, ovarian
cancer, and autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related Kaposi sarcoma. It blocks cell
growth by stopping cell division and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimitotic
agent. However, there are side-effects and toxicities associated with repeat exposure to this
pre-medication regimen. With prolonged use of paclitaxel, especially during weekly regimens,
patients are exposed to repeat doses of drugs that prevent hypersensitivity reactions. Side
effects include, but are not limited to, insomnia, gastritis, fluid retention, weight gain,
mood changes and immune suppression. The information gained from this study may positively
influence clinical practice and help researchers develop methods to safely stop
pre-medications.