Comparing Paclitaxel Infusion Durations in Cancer Patients with Low Muscle Mass

Phase IV Single-arm Pharmacokinetic Study of Skeletal Muscle Area-based Paclitaxel Infusion in Patients With Cancer

Phase 4 Interventional University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center · NCT05183126

This study is testing if giving paclitaxel over a longer time helps cancer patients with low muscle mass have better drug levels in their system compared to those with normal muscle mass.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment22 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT05183126 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel by comparing the maximum concentration levels in patients with low or sarcopenic skeletal muscle area (SMA) after a 2-3 hour infusion to those with normal SMA after a standard 1-hour infusion. The goal is to determine if extending the infusion duration for patients with low SMA can normalize drug levels to those seen in patients with normal SMA. Participants will receive the standard dose of 80 mg/m² of paclitaxel, with the only investigational aspect being the lengthened infusion time. The study is conducted at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients aged 18 and older with breast cancer, metastatic gastric cancer, or esophageal cancer who are scheduled to receive a standard paclitaxel infusion.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to paclitaxel or those receiving different doses or infusion rates will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could optimize paclitaxel treatment for patients with low muscle mass, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar pharmacokinetic studies have shown promise in optimizing drug delivery based on patient-specific factors.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Planned paclitaxel 80 mg/m\^2, 1-hour infusion
* Evaluable computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) scan, or MRI scan (e.g. scan of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis for any indication w/in 1 year)
* Female
* ≥ 18 years old
* Adequate organ function to receive paclitaxel treatment as defined in the protocol
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant administration of any moderate or strong inducer or inhibitor of CYP2C8, including rifampin or clopidogrel.
* History of hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel or any components of paclitaxel (e.g., Cremophor EL) that precludes continued treatment with standard dose and infusion length
* Pregnant or nursing
* Receiving any other dose (i.e., not 80 mg/m2) or infusion rate (i.e., not 60 minute infusion) either due to toxicity during a previous cycle or any other reason

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

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 Breast CancerMetastatic Gastric CancerEsophageal Cancerpharmacokinetics
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.