Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Determination of the Transport Rate of Xenobiotics and Nanomaterials Across the Placenta using the ex vivo Human Placental Perfusion Model
Published on: June 18, 2013
Comparative transplacental transfer of taxanes using the human perfused cotyledon placental model
Paul Berveiller1, Cécile Vinot, Olivier Mir
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Research Unit, INSERM Cliniques P 0901, Cochin Teaching Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France. paul.berveiller@inserm.fr.
Objectives:
The use of taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel) in pregnant cancer patients is increasing. We aimed to compare their transplacental transfer using the gold standard human placental perfusion model, to guide drug selection.
Study Design:
Term placentas were perfused with paclitaxel or docetaxel and 2 different albumin concentrations. Main transfer parameters such as fetal transfer rate (FTR), clearance index, and placental uptake of taxanes were assessed.
Results:
Twelve placentas were perfused, 6 with paclitaxel and 6 with docetaxel. Mean FTR of paclitaxel decreased significantly from 5.67 ± 0.02% in low albumin conditions to 1.72 ± 0.09% in physiological albumin conditions. Similarly, mean clearance index decreased significantly from 0.22 ± 0.02 to 0.09 ± 0.01. Regarding docetaxel, mean FTR were similar in low albumin and physiological conditions (5.03 ± 0.60% and 4.04 ± 0.22%, respectively) while mean clearance index decreased significantly from 0.18 ± 0.02 to 0.13 ± 0.01. Taxanes accumulation in cotyledon was similar for docetaxel and paclitaxel: 4.54 ± 1.84% vs 3.31 ± 1.88%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Transplacental transfer and placental accumulation of paclitaxel and docetaxel were low and similar, especially in physiological conditions of albumin. Further studies are warranted to optimize the selection of a taxane in pregnant cancer patients.
