Nanosomal Docetaxel Lipid Suspension: A Guide to Its Use in Cancer

Nanosomal docetaxel lipid suspension (NDLS) [DoceAqualip] is a novel formulation of docetaxel approved in India for the treatment of breast cancer, hormone-refractory prostate cancer, locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, non-small cell lung cancer and advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. The lipid-based delivery system of NDLS eliminates the need for polysorbate 80 and ethanol, which are contained in the conventional docetaxel formulation and are associated with hypersensitivity reactions and infusion-related toxicities. Because of the diminished potential for NDLS to cause hypersensitivity reactions compared with conventional docetaxel, corticosteroid premedication is not required with NDLS. In a randomized trial in patients with pretreated, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the overall response rate was numerically higher with NDLS than with conventional docetaxel, and post-dose adverse events in the NDLS group were considered manageable and most resolved without sequelae, despite the lack of corticosteroid premedication.