Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of intraperitoneal paclitaxel with different carrier solutions

For cancers that have disseminated to peritoneal surfaces, intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration results in high drug concentration locally with low systemic toxicity. Using a rat model we compared the pharmacokinetics and tissue absorption of paclitaxel infused intraperitoneally in two isotonic carrier solutions: 1.5% dextrose peritoneal dialysis solution (peritoneal dialysis solution) and hetastarch (6% hydroxyethyl starch), a high molecular weight solution.

A total of 60 Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into groups according to the carrier solution administered. Rats were given a single dose of intraperitoneal paclitaxel (40 mg/m²) in 0.1 ml/g body weight of each carrier solution. Each group was further randomized according to the intraperitoneal dwell period (3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h). At the end of the procedure the rats were killed, the peritoneal fluid was withdrawn completely and the volume recorded. Blood and tissues were sampled using a standardized protocol. Drug concentrations in peritoneal fluid, plasma, and tissues were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Fluid clearance from the peritoneal cavity was lower in the presence of hetastarch than in the presence of peritoneal dialysis solution. The mean volumes remaining in the peritoneal cavity were significantly higher with hetastarch at 18 h (P=0.0079). No excess peritoneal fluid remained with peritoneal dialysis solution at 24 h. Mean plasma paclitaxel concentrations were significantly lower with hetastarch at 3 h (P=0.0079), 12 h (P=0.0079), and 18 h (P=0.0317). The mean total quantity of drug remaining in the peritoneal cavity was significantly greater with hetastarch at 12 h (P=0.0079) and 18 h (P=0.0317). There was a 105% increase in the area under the curve ratio of peritoneal fluid to plasma paclitaxel concentrations with hetastarch (391) vs peritoneal dialysis solution (191). Paclitaxel concentrations were significantly greater with peritoneal dialysis solution at 6 h in colon, abdominal wall, and myocardium.

The use of intraperitoneal paclitaxel with hetastarch carrier solution provides a pharmacologic advantage for a local-regional killing of residual tumor cells with decreased systemic toxicity. Clinical investigations into the use of 6% hetastarch with high molecular weight chemotherapeutic agents are warranted.