8 ML docetaxel 10 MG/ML Injection [Docivyx]

INDICATIONS AND USAGE BEIZRAY is a microtubule inhibitor indicated for: Breast Cancer (BC): single agent for locally advanced or metastatic BC after chemotherapy failure; and with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as adjuvant treatment of operable node-positive BC ( 1.1 ) Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): single agent for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after platinum therapy failure; and with cisplatin for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic untreated NSCLC ( 1.2 ) Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC): with prednisone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer ( 1.3 ) Gastric Adenocarcinoma (GC): with cisplatin and fluorouracil for untreated, advanced GC, including the gastroesophageal junction ( 1.4 ) Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN): with cisplatin and fluorouracil for induction treatment of locally advanced SCCHN ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Breast Cancer BEIZRAY is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy. BEIZRAY in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer. 1.2 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer BEIZRAY as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy. BEIZRAY in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition. 1.3 Prostate Cancer BEIZRAY in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. 1.4 Gastric Adenocarcinoma BEIZRAY in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. 1.5 Head and Neck Cancer BEIZRAY in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). 1.1 Breast Cancer BEIZRAY is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy. BEIZRAY in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer. 1.2 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer BEIZRAY as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy. BEIZRAY in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition. 1.3 Prostate Cancer BEIZRAY in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. 1.4 Gastric Adenocarcinoma BEIZRAY in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. 1.5 Head and Neck Cancer BEIZRAY in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For all indications, toxicities may warrant dosage adjustments [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. Administer in a facility equipped to manage possible complications (e.g., anaphylaxis). Administer in a facility equipped to manage possible complications (e.g., anaphylaxis). Administer intravenously (IV) over 1 hour every 3 weeks. PVC equipment is not recommended. Use only a 21 gauge needle to withdraw Docetaxel Injection from the vial. • BC locally advanced or metastatic: 60 mg/m 2 to 100 mg/m 2 single agent ( 2.1 ) • BC adjuvant: 75 mg/m 2 administered 1 hour after doxorubicin 50 mg/m 2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks for 6 cycles ( 2.1 ) • NSCLC: after platinum therapy failure: 75 mg/m 2 single agent ( 2.2 ) • NSCLC: chemotherapy-naïve: 75 mg/m 2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 ( 2.2 ) • CRPC: 75 mg/m 2 with 5 mg prednisone twice a day continuously ( 2.3 ) • GC: 75 mg/m 2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 (both on day 1 only) followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m 2 per day as a 24-hour IV (days 1–5), starting at end of cisplatin infusion ( 2.4 ) • SCCHN: 75 mg/m 2 followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 IV (day 1), followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m 2 per day as a 24-hour IV (days 1–5), starting at end of cisplatin infusion; for 4 cycles ( 2.5 ) • SCCHN: 75 mg/m 2 followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 IV (day 1), followed by fluorouracil 1000 mg/m 2 per day as a 24-hour IV (days 1–4); for 3 cycles ( 2.5 ) For all patients: • Premedicate with oral corticosteroids ( 2.6 ) • Adjust dose as needed ( 2.7 ) 2.1 Breast Cancer • For locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy, the recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 60 mg/m 2 to 100 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 1 hour every 3 weeks. • For the adjuvant treatment of operable node-positive breast cancer, the recommended Docetaxel Injection dose is 75 mg/m 2 administered 1 hour after doxorubicin 50 mg/m 2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks for 6 courses. Prophylactic G-CSF may be used to mitigate the risk of hematological toxicities [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. 2.2 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer • For treatment after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy, docetaxel was evaluated as monotherapy, and the recommended dose is 75 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 1 hour every 3 weeks. A dose of 100 mg/m 2 in patients previously treated with chemotherapy was associated with increased hematologic toxicity, infection, and treatment-related mortality in randomized controlled trials [ see Boxed Warning , Dosage and Administration (2.7) , Warnings and Precautions (5) , Clinical Studies (14) ]. • For chemotherapy-naïve patients, docetaxel was evaluated in combination with cisplatin. The recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 75 mg/m 2 administered intravenously over 1 hour immediately followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 over 30–60 minutes every 3 weeks [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. 2.3 Prostate Cancer • For metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, the recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 75 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks as a 1 hour intravenous infusion. Prednisone 5 mg orally twice daily is administered continuously [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. 2.4 Gastric Adenocarcinoma • For gastric adenocarcinoma, the recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 75 mg/m 2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion, followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 , as a 1 to 3 hour intravenous infusion (both on day 1 only), followed by fluorouracil 750 mg/m 2 per day given as a 24-hour continuous intravenous infusion for 5 days, starting at the end of the cisplatin infusion. Treatment is repeated every three weeks. Patients must receive premedication with antiemetics and appropriate hydration for cisplatin administration [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. 2.5 Head and Neck Cancer Patients must receive premedication with antiemetics, and appropriate hydration (prior to and after cisplatin administration). Prophylaxis for neutropenic infections should be administered. All patients treated on the Docetaxel Injection containing arms of the TAX323 and TAX324 studies received prophylactic antibiotics. Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Radiotherapy (TAX323) For the induction treatment of locally advanced inoperable SCCHN, the recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 75 mg/m 2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 intravenously over 1 hour, on day one, followed by fluorouracil as a continuous intravenous infusion at 750 mg/m 2 per day for five days. This regimen is administered every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Following chemotherapy, patients should receive radiotherapy [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy (TAX324) For the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced (unresectable, low surgical cure, or organ preservation) SCCHN, the recommended dose of Docetaxel Injection is 75 mg/m 2 as a 1 hour intravenous infusion on day 1, followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 administered as a 30-minute to 3 hour infusion, followed by fluorouracil 1000 mg/m 2 /day as a continuous infusion from day 1 to day 4. This regimen is administered every 3 weeks for 3 cycles. Following chemotherapy, patients should receive chemoradiotherapy [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. 2.6 Premedication Regimen All patients should be premedicated with oral corticosteroids (see below for prostate cancer) such as dexamethasone 16 mg per day (e.g., 8 mg twice daily) for 3 days starting 1 day prior to Docetaxel Injection administration in order to reduce the incidence and severity of fluid retention as well as the severity of hypersensitivity reactions [ see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. For metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, given the concurrent use of prednisone, the recommended premedication regimen is oral dexamethasone 8 mg at 12 hours, 3 hours, and 1 hour before the Docetaxel Injection infusion [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. 2.7 Dosage Adjustments during Treatment Breast Cancer Patients who are dosed initially at 100 mg/m 2 and who experience either febrile neutropenia, neutrophils <500 cells/mm 3 for more than 1 week, or severe or cumulative cutaneous reactions during Docetaxel Injection therapy should have the dosage adjusted from 100 mg/m 2 to 75 mg/m 2 . If the patient continues to experience these reactions, the dosage should either be decreased from 75 mg/m 2 to 55 mg/m 2 or the treatment should be discontinued. Conversely, patients who are dosed initially at 60 mg/m 2 and who do not experience febrile neutropenia, neutrophils <500 cells/mm 3 for more than 1 week, severe or cumulative cutaneous reactions, or severe peripheral neuropathy during Docetaxel Injection therapy may tolerate higher doses. Patients who develop ≥grade 3 peripheral neuropathy should have Docetaxel Injection treatment discontinued entirely. Combination Therapy with Docetaxel Injection in the Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer Docetaxel Injection in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide should be administered when the neutrophil count is ≥1500 cells/mm 3 . Patients who experience febrile neutropenia should receive G-CSF in all subsequent cycles. Patients who continue to experience this reaction should remain on G-CSF and have their Docetaxel Injection dose reduced to 60 mg/m 2 . Patients who experience grade 3 or 4 stomatitis should have their Docetaxel Injection dose decreased to 60 mg/m 2 . Patients who experience severe or cumulative cutaneous reactions or moderate neurosensory signs and/or symptoms during Docetaxel Injection therapy should have their dosage of Docetaxel Injection reduced from 75 mg/m 2 to 60 mg/m 2 . If the patient continues to experience these reactions at 60 mg/m 2 , treatment should be discontinued. Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Monotherapy with Docetaxel Injection for NSCLC Treatment after Failure of Prior Platinum-

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Second primary malignancies: In patients treated with Docetaxel Injection-containing regimens, monitor for delayed AML, MDS, NHL, and renal cancer. ( 5.7 ) • Cutaneous reactions: Reactions including erythema of the extremities with edema followed by desquamation may occur. Severe cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported. Severe skin toxicity may require dose adjustment or permanent treatment discontinuation. ( 5.8 ) • Neurologic reactions: Reactions including paresthesia, dysesthesia, and pain may occur. Severe neurosensory symptoms require dose adjustment or discontinuation if persistent. ( 5.9 ) • Eye disorders: Cystoid macular edema (CME) has been reported and requires treatment discontinuation. ( 5.10 ) • Asthenia: Severe asthenia may occur and may require treatment discontinuation. ( 5.11 ) • Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.12 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) • Alcohol content: The alcohol content in a dose of Docetaxel Injection may affect the central nervous system. This may include impairment of a patient's ability to drive or use machines immediately after infusion. ( 5.13 ) • Tumor lysis syndrome: Tumor lysis syndrome has been reported. Patients at risk should be well hydrated and closely monitored during treatment. ( 5.14 ) 5.1 Toxic Deaths Breast Cancer Docetaxel administered at 100 mg/m 2 was associated with deaths considered possibly or probably related to treatment in 2.0% (19/965) of metastatic breast cancer patients, both previously treated and untreated, with normal baseline liver function and in 11.5% (7/61) of patients with various tumor types who had abnormal baseline liver function (AST and/or ALT >1.5 times ULN together with AP >2.5 times ULN). Among patients dosed at 60 mg/m 2 , mortality related to treatment occurred in 0.6% (3/481) of patients with normal liver function, and in 3 of 7 patients with abnormal liver function. Approximately half of these deaths occurred during the first cycle. Sepsis accounted for the majority of the deaths. Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Docetaxel administered at a dose of 100 mg/m 2 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who had a history of prior platinum-based chemotherapy was associated with increased treatment-related mortality (14% and 5% in two randomized, controlled studies). There were 2.8% treatment-related deaths among the 176 patients treated at the 75 mg/m 2 dose in the randomized trials. Among patients who experienced treatment-related mortality at the 75 mg/m 2 dose level, 3 of 5 patients had an ECOG PS of 2 at study entry [ see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Clinical Studies (14) ] . 5.2 Hepatic Impairment Patients with elevations of bilirubin or abnormalities of transaminase concurrent with alkaline phosphatase are at increased risk for the development of severe neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, infections, severe thrombocytopenia, severe stomatitis, severe skin toxicity, and toxic death. Avoid Docetaxel Injection in patients with bilirubin > upper limit of normal (ULN), or to patients with AST and/or ALT >1.5 × ULN concomitant with alkaline phosphatase >2.5 × ULN [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. For patients with isolated elevations of transaminase >1.5 × ULN, consider Docetaxel Injection dose modifications [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ]. Measure bilirubin, AST or ALT, and alkaline phosphatase prior to each cycle of Docetaxel Injection therapy. 5.3 Hematologic Effects Perform frequent peripheral blood cell counts on all patients receiving Docetaxel Injection. Do not retreat patients with subsequent cycles of Docetaxel Injection until neutrophils recover to a level >1500 cells/mm 3 [ see Contraindications (4) ]. Avoid retreating patients until platelets recover to a level >100,000 cells/mm 3 . A 25% reduction in the dose of Docetaxel Injection is recommended during subsequent cycles following severe neutropenia (<500 cells/mm 3 ) lasting 7 days or more, febrile neutropenia, or a grade 4 infection in a Docetaxel Injection cycle [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ] . Neutropenia (<2000 neutrophils/mm 3 ) occurs in virtually all patients given 60 mg/m 2 to 100 mg/m 2 of docetaxel and grade 4 neutropenia (<500 cells/mm 3 ) occurs in 85% of patients given 100 mg/m 2 and 75% of patients given 60 mg/m 2 . Frequent monitoring of blood counts is, therefore, essential so that dose can be adjusted. Docetaxel Injection should not be administered to patients with neutrophils <1500 cells/mm 3 . Febrile neutropenia occurred in about 12% of patients given 100 mg/m 2 but was very uncommon in patients given 60 mg/m 2 . Hematologic responses, febrile reactions and infections, and rates of septic death for different regimens are dose related [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Studies (14) ]. Three breast cancer patients with severe liver impairment (bilirubin >1.7 times ULN) developed fatal gastrointestinal bleeding associated with severe drug-induced thrombocytopenia. In gastric cancer patients treated with docetaxel in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil (TCF), febrile neutropenia and/or neutropenic infection occurred in 12% of patients receiving G-CSF compared to 28% who did not. Patients receiving TCF should be closely monitored during the first and subsequent cycles for febrile neutropenia and neutropenic infection [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) , Adverse Reactions (6) ]. 5.4 Enterocolitis and Neutropenic Colitis Enterocolitis and neutropenic colitis (typhlitis) have occurred in patients treated with Docetaxel Injection alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, despite the coadministration of G-CSF. Caution is recommended for patients with neutropenia, particularly at risk for developing gastrointestinal complications. Enterocolitis and neutropenic enterocolitis may develop at any time, and could lead to death as early as the first day of symptom onset. Monitor patients closely from onset of any symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity. Inform patients to contact their healthcare provider with new, or worsening symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity [ see Dosage and Administration (2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Monitor patients closely for hypersensitivity reactions, especially during the first and second infusions. Severe hypersensitivity reactions characterized by generalized rash/erythema, hypotension and/or bronchospasm, or fatal anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients premedicated with 3 days of corticosteroids. Severe hypersensitivity reactions require immediate discontinuation of the Docetaxel Injection infusion and aggressive therapy. Do not rechallenge patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions with Docetaxel Injection [ see Contraindications (4) ]. Patients who have previously experienced a hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel may develop a hypersensitivity reaction to docetaxel that may include severe or fatal reactions such as anaphylaxis. Monitor patients with a previous history of hypersensitivity to paclitaxel closely during initiation of docetaxel therapy. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur within a few minutes following initiation of a Docetaxel Injection infusion. If minor reactions such as flushing or localized skin reactions occur, interruption of therapy is not required. All patients should be premedicated with an oral corticosteroid prior to the initiation of the infusion of Docetaxel Injection [ see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ]. 5.6 Fluid Retention Severe fluid retention has been reported following docetaxel therapy. Patients should be premedicated with oral corticosteroids prior to each Docetaxel Injection administration to reduce the incidence and severity of fluid retention [ see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ]. Patients with pre-existing effusions should be closel

4. CONTRAINDICATIONS Docetaxel Injection is contraindicated in patients with: • neutrophil counts of <1500 cells/mm 3 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. • a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to docetaxel or to other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80. Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ]. • Hypersensitivity to docetaxel or polysorbate 80 ( 4 ) • Neutrophil counts of < 1500 cells/mm 3 ( 4 )

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent that acts by disrupting the microtubular network in cells that is essential for mitotic and interphase cellular functions. Docetaxel binds to free tubulin and promotes the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules while simultaneously inhibiting their disassembly. This leads to the production of microtubule bundles without normal function and to the stabilization of microtubules, which results in the inhibition of mitosis in cells. Docetaxel’s binding to microtubules does not alter the number of protofilaments in the bound microtubules, a feature which differs from most spindle poisons currently in clinical use. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Docetaxel exposure-response relationships and the time course of pharmacodynamic response are unknown. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel has been evaluated in cancer patients after administration of 20 mg/m 2 to 115 mg/m 2 in phase 1 studies. The area under the curve (AUC) was dose proportional following doses of 70 mg/m 2 to 115 mg/m 2 with infusion times of 1 to 2 hours. Docetaxel’s pharmacokinetic profile is consistent with a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model, with initial rapid distribution phase and the late (terminal) phase. Distribution Mean steady state volume of distribution was 113 L. Docetaxel is approximately 94% protein bound in vitro, mainly to α1-acid glycoprotein, albumin, and lipoproteins. In three cancer patients, the in vitro binding to plasma proteins was approximately 97%. Dexamethasone does not affect the protein binding of docetaxel. Elimination With extended plasma sampling up to 8 to 22 days post infusion, the estimated mean total body clearance was 18 L/h/m 2 (range of means: 14 to 23) and mean terminal elimination half-life was 116 hours (range of means: 92 to 135). Metabolism Docetaxel is metabolized by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme in vitro [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Excretion In three cancer patients urinary and fecal excretion accounted for approximately 6% and 75% of the administered radioactivity, respectively, within 7 days. About 80% of the radioactivity recovered in feces was excreted during the first 48 hours as 1 major and 3 minor metabolites with less than 8% as unchanged drug. Specific Populations Effect of Age: A population pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out after docetaxel treatment of 535 patients dosed at 100 mg/m 2 . Pharmacokinetic parameters estimated by this analysis were very close to those estimated from phase 1 studies. The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel was not influenced by age. Effect of Gender: The population pharmacokinetics analysis described above also indicated that gender did not influence the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel. Hepatic Impairment: The population pharmacokinetic analysis described above indicated that in patients with clinical chemistry data suggestive of mild to moderate liver impairment (AST and/or ALT >1.5 times ULN concomitant with alkaline phosphatase >2.5 times ULN), total body clearance was lowered by an average of 27%, resulting in a 38% increase in systemic exposure (AUC). This average, however, includes a substantial range and there is, at present, no measurement that would allow recommendation for dose adjustment in such patients. Patients with combined abnormalities of transaminase and alkaline phosphatase should not be treated with docetaxel. Patients with severe hepatic impairment have not been studied [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] . Effect of Race: Mean total body clearance for Japanese patients dosed at the range of 10 mg/m 2 to 90 mg/m 2 was similar to that of European/American populations dosed at 100 mg/m 2 , suggesting no significant difference in the elimination of docetaxel in the two populations. Drug Interaction Studies Effect of Ketoconazole: The effect of ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel was investigated in 7 cancer patients. Patients were randomized to receive either docetaxel (100 mg/m 2 intravenous) alone or docetaxel (10 mg/m 2 intravenous) in combination with ketoconazole (200 mg orally once daily for 3 days) in a crossover design with a 3-week washout period. The results of this study indicated that the mean dose-normalized AUC of docetaxel was increased 2.2-fold and its clearance was reduced by 49% when docetaxel was coadministered with ketoconazole [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Effect of combination therapies Dexamethasone: Docetaxel total body clearance was not modified by pretreatment with dexamethasone. Cisplatin: Clearance of docetaxel in combination therapy with cisplatin was similar to tha previously observed following monotherapy with docetaxel. The pharmacokinetic profile of cisplatin in combination therapy with docetaxel was similar to that observed with cisplatin alone. Cisplatin and Fluorouracil: The combined administration of docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil in 12 patients with solid tumors had no influence on the pharmacokinetics of each individual drug. Prednisone: A population pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma data from 40 patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer indicated that docetaxel systemic clearance in combination with prednisone is similar to that observed following administration of docetaxel alone. Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin: A study was conducted in 30 patients with advanced breast cancer to determine the potential for drug-drug interactions between docetaxel (75 mg/m 2 ), doxorubicin (50 mg/m 2 ), and cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m 2 ) when administered in combination. The coadministration of docetaxel had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide when the three drugs were given in combination compared to coadministration of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide only. In addition, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide had no effect on docetaxel plasma clearance when the three drugs were given in combination compared to historical data for docetaxel monotherapy. 12.1 Mechanism of Action Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent that acts by disrupting the microtubular network in cells that is essential for mitotic and interphase cellular functions. Docetaxel binds to free tubulin and promotes the assembly of tubulin into stable microtubules while simultaneously inhibiting their disassembly. This leads to the production of microtubule bundles without normal function and to the stabilization of microtubules, which results in the inhibition of mitosis in cells. Docetaxel’s binding to microtubules does not alter the number of protofilaments in the bound microtubules, a feature which differs from most spindle poisons currently in clinical use. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Docetaxel exposure-response relationships and the time course of pharmacodynamic response are unknown. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel has been evaluated in cancer patients after administration of 20 mg/m 2 to 115 mg/m 2 in phase 1 studies. The area under the curve (AUC) was dose proportional following doses of 70 mg/m 2 to 115 mg/m 2 with infusion times of 1 to 2 hours. Docetaxel’s pharmacokinetic profile is consistent with a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model, with initial rapid distribution phase and the late (terminal) phase. Distribution Mean steady state volume of distribution was 113 L. Docetaxel is approximately 94% protein bound in vitro, mainly to α1-acid glycoprotein, albumin, and lipoproteins. In three cancer patients, the in vitro binding to plasma proteins was approximately 97%. Dexamethasone does not affect the protein binding of docetaxel. Elimination With extended plasma sampling up to 8 to 22 days post infusion, the estimated mean total body clearance was 18 L/h/m 2 (range of means: 14 to 23) and mean terminal elimination half-life was 116 hours (range of means: 92 to 135). Metabolism Doce