Evaluating the role of nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) in women with aggressive metastatic breast cancer

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2014 May;14(5):511-21. doi: 10.1586/14737140.2014.883922. Epub 2014 Feb 28.

Abstract

Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane(®)) is an albumin-bound form of paclitaxel that utilizes the natural properties of albumin to improve paclitaxel delivery to the tumor. It is licensed for use in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) at a dose of 260 mg/m(2) Q3W based on its superior therapeutic index versus conventional paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) Q3W demonstrated in a Phase III study. In a post-hoc analysis, nab-paclitaxel treatment was associated with rapid and dramatic tumor responses in patients with poor prognostic factors (visceral dominant disease, ≥3 metastatic lesions), suggesting it may be a preferred treatment for these patients. Moreover, significant efficacy has been seen with nab-paclitaxel 100 and 150 mg/m(2) QW 3/4, suggesting it may be possible to tailor use of this agent in the future.

MeSH terms

  • Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel
  • Albumins / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Paclitaxel / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel
  • Albumins
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Paclitaxel