Generic
Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound (NAB) Paclitaxel
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound (NAB) Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy drug used for metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. It prevents depolymerization of cellular microtubules to stop cell division.
Description
NAB-Paclitaxel is an albumin-conjugated formulation of natural taxane that prevents depolymerization of cellular microtubules, resulting in inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. It is a cremophor-free formulation that binds to albumin for improved tumor delivery.
Indications
- Metastatic breast cancer (after anthracycline failure)
- Locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (with carboplatin)
- Metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (with gemcitabine)
Therapeutic class
Chemotherapy
Pharmacological class
Microtubule Inhibitor (Taxane)
Pharmacology
NAB-Paclitaxel is an albumin-conjugated formulation that prevents depolymerization of cellular microtubules, resulting in inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Albumin improves paclitaxel delivery to tumor cells through SPARC protein.
Mechanism of action
Prevents cancer cell growth by inhibiting cell division.
Dosage
Breast Cancer: 260 mg/m² IV over 30 min, every 3 weeks
NSCLC: 100 mg/m² IV over 30 min on Days 1, 8, 15 of 21-day cycle + Carboplatin AUC 6
Pancreatic Cancer: 125 mg/m² IV over 30-40 min on Days 1, 8, 15 of 28-day cycle + Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m²
Administration
- Administered by doctor or nurse IV only
- Infuse over 30 minutes
- Do not use in-line filter
- Reconstitution: 20 mL 0.9% NaCl (do not shake, swirl)
Missed dose
Not generally applicable (scheduled administration); consult doctor if needed.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (>10%):
- Alopecia (90%)
- Neutropenia (80%)
- Sensory neuropathy (71%)
- Abnormal EKG (60%)
- Asthenia (47%)
- Myalgia/arthralgia (44%)
- AST increased (39%)
- Anemia (33%)
- Nausea (30%)
- Diarrhea (27%)
- Dyspnea (12%)
Serious: Sepsis, pneumonitis, hypersensitivity reactions
Precautions & warnings
- Causes myelosuppression; monitor CBC
- Sensory neuropathy occurs frequently; may require dose reduction or treatment interruption
- Biliary obstruction or stent are risk factors for severe sepsis
- Increased toxicity in hepatic impairment
- May cause fetal harm; avoid in pregnant women
- Men should not father a child during treatment
Contraindications
- Neutrophils <1500 cells/mm³
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylactic reactions)
Drug interactions
- CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 substrate; inhibitors or inducers may alter metabolism
Food interactions
No food interactions (parenteral use).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: NAB-Paclitaxel is highly unsafe during pregnancy (Category D); definite evidence of severe fetal harm. Avoid pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Paclitaxel is contraindicated during breastfeeding; do not use.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Dose adjustment required in hepatic impairment (based on bilirubin and AST).
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause myelosuppression and neuropathy; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 25°C; protect from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
NAB-Paclitaxel