Can ethanol intoxication secondary to docetaxel be predicted based on dose administered using a point-of-care saliva ethanol test?

Background: The Food and Drug Administration issued a drug safety alert highlighting the potential association of docetaxel infusion with signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication. This concern is significant because patients treated with docetaxel often have comorbidities and are prescribed concomitant centrally active medications. As a result, these patients may be at risk for iatrogenic events.

A pilot phase II trial of all-trans retinoic acid (Vesanoid) and paclitaxel (Taxol) in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

Purpose: We investigated a combination therapy with weekly paclitaxel and all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) for tolerability, response to treatment, time to progression and survival in previously treated patients with metastatic or recurrent breast cancer. Our rationale was based on preclinical studies demonstrating potentiation of the cytotoxic effects of taxanes and induction of differentiation by ATRA.

Patients And Methods: Seventeen patients with previously treated metastatic or recurrent breast cancer were enrolled to a regimen of all-trans retinoic acid (Vesanoid, tretinoin, Hoffman-La Roche, Inc.