Efficacy of a Side Hole-type Plastic Needle for Dissolving Abraxane^®

Abstract

Albumin-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane^®) is a lyophilized preparation that takes time to dissolve. Previously, we used a metal needle for dissolving Abraxane^®. We then transitioned to a side hole-type plastic needle to prevent accidental needle-stick injuries. There is no literature regarding the ideal needle type, according to the material it is made of, for dissolving Abraxane^®, and the effect on the characteristics of Abraxane^® after dissolving with each needle is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of the plastic needle for dissolving Abraxane^®. The formulation was dissolved in three ways: by injecting saline for 30 s with a metal needle (M30s), injecting saline for 15 s with a plastic needle (P15s), and injecting saline for 30 s with a plastic needle (P30s). Each group was kept at rest for 5 min after saline infusion, and then the dissolution time was estimated. The median dissolution time was 82.5 (15 - 210) s for M30s, 75 (30 - 135) s for P15s, and 45 (15 - 120) s for P30s. P30s had a significantly shorter dissolution time than M30s (P < 0.01) and P15s (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the dissolution time between M30s and P15s; however, P15s tended to have a shorter dissolution time than M30s. We measured the diameter of Abraxane^® particles after dissolving with each needle and found that the diameter was almost the same. Therefore, a side hole-type plastic needle might reduce the dissolution time compared with a metal needle without affecting the characteristics of Abraxane®.