Pharmaceutical formulations comprising docetaxel, solubilizer, and α-lipoic acid, wherein the formulation is substantially free of polysorbates and polyethoxylated castor oil. The solubilizer may comprise glycofurol, acetic acid, benzyl alcohol, or ethanol. The α-lipoic acid, at certain concentrations, may impart stability and prevent degradation of docetaxel while the formulations are in storage. The formulations may be combined with a diluent, which comprises one or more hydrotropes such as tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and polyethylene glycol. The formulations combined with the diluent also exhibit stability after storage. Methods of administering docetaxel comprise preparing the formulation comprising docetaxel, solubilizer, and α-lipoic acid; mixing the formulation with a diluent; diluting the resulting formulation in saline, water for injection, or the like; and then injecting the formulations into patients in need thereof.