METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS FOR ADMINISTERING TAXANES ORALLY TO HUMAN PATIENTS

摘要

Taxane antineoplastic agents which have heretofore exhibited poor or non-existent oral bioavailability are administered orally to human patients suffering from taxane-responsive disease conditions and made sufficiently bioavailable to achieve therapeutic blood levels. In a preferred embodiment, the taxane, preferably paclitaxel, is co-administered to the patient with an oral cyclosporin enhancing agent, preferably cyclosporin A. By one preferred method, a dose of oral enhancer is administered about 0.5-72 hours before the taxane and a second dose of the enhancer and administered immediately before, together with or immediately after the taxane. A method of treating human patients suffering from taxane-responsive disease conditions is also provided, as well as a method for providing such treatment while preventing or reducing hypersensitivity and allergic reactions without the need for pre-medication.