Stability study of docetaxel solution (0.9%, saline) using Non-PVC and PVC tubes for intravenous administration

BACKGROUND: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) are added to poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC) infusion tubes as a plasticizer to ensure tube flexibility. In addition to previously reported disadvantages of DEHP, released DEHP molecules from PVC tubes can easily interact with surfactants in anticancer drug solutions (i.e., polysorbate 80 for Taxotere®-Inj) and reduce the solubility of docetaxel in aqueous solution during anticancer drug administration. RESULTS: In this study, we investigated the in vitro stability of docetaxel in a 0.9% saline solution under an intravenous administration condition using a PVC tube (high DEHP content) and non-PVC infused tube. CONCLUSION: The docetaxel solution circulating through the non-PVC tube had better solution stability than through the PVC tube(high DEHP content).