Weekly docetaxel 35 mg/m2 demonstrated similar efficacy and better tolerability than standard 3-weekly docetaxel 75 mg/m2 and can be recommended as a feasible alternative second-line treatment option for patients with advanced NSCLC.

Triamcinolone acetonide in the form of its phosphate ester was given intravenously in two different doses (10 mg/kg and 80 mg). Plasma levels of the ester and triamcinolone acetonide were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The pharmacokinetics both of the phosphate and the free alcohol were dose-dependent. No unchanged ester was found in the urine, indicating complete conversion of the pro-drug. Triamcinolone was not a major metabolite of triamcinolone acetonide in humans. Renal clearance was low and independent of the dose. Only about 1% of the dose was found in the urine as triamcinolone acetonide.

Methylprednisolone in the form of its hemisuccinate ester was injected intravenously in doses of 10 mg/kg and 63.1 mg. Plasma levels of methylprednisolone and of the ester were measured and their kinetics were calculated. Results indicate dose dependency in the kinetics of both. About 10% of the dose was excreted unchanged as hemisuccinate in the urine, indicating incomplete conversion of the prodrug. When methylprednisolone (80 mg) was also taken by mouth, the relative bioavailability of the tablets was 99%. Saliva levels of methylprednisolone were low but paralleled plasma levels in the postdistribution phase. No methylprednisolone hemisuccinate was found in saliva.