Comparing oral and intravenous dexamethasone for preventing hypersensitivity to paclitaxel

Conventional Prophylactic Regimen of Oral Dexamethasone Versus Short-course Intravenous Dexamethasone in Preventing Paclitaxel-related Hypersensitivity Reactions in Breast and Gynecologic Oncology Patients

Phase 3 Interventional Loma Linda University · NCT03598426

This study is testing whether taking dexamethasone by mouth, through an IV, or a mix of both can better prevent allergic reactions in women receiving paclitaxel for cancer treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorLoma Linda University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsBevacizumab, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Loma Linda, California)
Trial IDNCT03598426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study is a single-center, prospective, randomized, open-label investigation aimed at identifying the most effective method for preventing hypersensitivity reactions in gynecologic oncology patients receiving paclitaxel infusions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: conventional oral dexamethasone, short-course intravenous dexamethasone, or a combined approach. The study seeks to standardize pre-medication protocols to minimize the risk of hypersensitivity reactions during paclitaxel treatment. By evaluating the efficacy of these methods, the study aims to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidelines for managing paclitaxel hypersensitivity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult female patients over 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer who are scheduled to receive paclitaxel.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving paclitaxel or those with contraindications to dexamethasone will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in patients undergoing paclitaxel treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored various pre-medication strategies for paclitaxel, but this specific comparison of oral versus intravenous dexamethasone is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult female patients \> 18 years of age
2. Patients of the Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) gynecologic oncology and breast oncology service
3. Confirmed breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis of any stage and any gynecologic or breast malignancy
4. Planned treatment with paclitaxel containing regimen either in the adjuvant setting or for palliation
5. Planned treatment with paclitaxel should be for 3 or more cycles given as a weekly or every 3 weeks cycle
6. Paclitaxel should be given as a monotherapy or as part of a combination regimen. If paclitaxel is part of a regimen containing other drugs, the following conditions must be met:

   1. Paclitaxel will be the first chemotherapy regimen to be infused when patient comes in for treatment
   2. Chemotherapy regimen that would be approved for the study are the following:

   i. Paclitaxel/ Carboplatin ii. Paclitaxel/Carboplatin/Bevacizumab iii. Paclitaxel/Cisplatin/Bevacizumab iv. Paclitaxel/Bevacizumab v. Paclitaxel/ Ifosfamide vi. Paclitaxel/ Pazopanib
7. Patients should have no prior exposure to taxanes (this includes: paclitaxel, docetaxel, and protein-bound paclitaxel)
8. The chemotherapy treatment should be at one of the LLUH Adult Cancer Centers
9. The patient should be an English or Spanish speaking patient

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are not with the gynecologic or breast oncology service
2. Patients who are with the gynecologic oncology or breast oncology service but are not receiving paclitaxel either as a monotherapy or in combination with other regimen
3. Patients who have had prior exposure to taxanes (this includes: paclitaxel, docetaxel, and protein-bound paclitaxel)
4. Patients who are currently on steroid therapy and it is anticipated that therapy will not be discontinued at least a week prior to start of chemotherapy
5. Patients with autoimmune diseases, malignancies, and any other co-morbid condition that might require steroid therapy during chemotherapy. This includes, but not limited to:

   1. Crohn's disease
   2. Immune thrombocytopenia
   3. Lupus nephritis
   4. Multiple sclerosis
   5. Primary brain tumors
   6. Multiple Myeloma
   7. Hodgkin's Lymphoma
6. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes or diabetic or pre-diabetic patients with baseline A1C levels \> 8.5
7. Patients who are allergic to diphenhydramine and/or dexamethasone
8. Non-English and Non-Spanish speaking patients

Where this trial is running

Loma Linda, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hypersensitivity Reactions
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.