A sensitive docetaxel assay in plasma by solid-phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography-UV detection: validation and suitability in phase I clinical trial pharmacokinetics.

We have developed a specific and sensitive method aiming at docetaxel (Taxotere) determination in plasma of treated patients. This involved solid-phase extraction of 1 ml of plasma onto carboxylic acid (CBA) grafted silica cartridges followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with UV detection. The best selectivity was obtained through the use of C18 Uptisphere as stationary phase. The low limit of quantitation obtained (LOQ: 5 ng/ml) allowed measurements of docetaxel up to 24 hours after one-hour infusions with low dosages of drug (60 mg/m2). The method was applied successfully to monitor docetaxel plasma levels within two protocols associating fixed dosages of either methotrexate or gemcitabine with escalating doses of Taxotere.