Evaluating the need for dexamethasone during paclitaxel chemotherapy

Evaluation of the Omission of Dexamethasone in Premedication Regimens During Paclitaxel Treatment

PHASE4 · Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06118710

This study is testing if skipping dexamethasone before paclitaxel chemotherapy is just as safe and effective for adults with solid tumors as using it.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Rotterdam, South Holland)
Trial IDNCT06118710 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized trial aims to determine if omitting dexamethasone from the premedication regimen during paclitaxel chemotherapy is as effective as the standard regimen that includes dexamethasone. The study will involve 500 adult patients with solid tumors and will assess the incidence of severe hypersensitivity reactions, as well as secondary endpoints such as quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The trial seeks to provide evidence on whether avoiding dexamethasone can improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects associated with its use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of a solid tumor who are scheduled to receive paclitaxel-based chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously received paclitaxel treatment or have contraindications for its use will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved quality of life for patients undergoing paclitaxel treatment by reducing unnecessary medication and its associated side effects.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies suggesting lower doses of dexamethasone may be effective, this specific approach of omitting it entirely during paclitaxel treatment has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years;
* Diagnosis of a solid tumor with planned treatment with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy for any indication and with any dose.
* Mastery of Dutch language
* Able and willing to give written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior treatment with a paclitaxel-based regimen;
* An indication for paclitaxel in combination with moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy that mandates the use of dexamethasone as an anti-emetic medication (e.g., carboplatin AUC\>4);
* Known hypersensitivity to paclitaxel, carboplatin, cetirizine, granisetron, ondansetron or excipients (e.g., benzyl alcohol);
* Concomitant use of any systemic corticosteroid for any indication other than paclitaxel premedication;
* Women with confirmed and ongoing pregnancy;
* Already participating in an exercise trial.

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, South Holland

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.