Nab-Paclitaxel for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane; an albumin-bound, 130-nm particulate form of paclitaxel) was shown to be superior to conventional paclitaxel for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (J Clin Oncol 2005; 23:7794). Now, to investigate the efficacy and safety of various nab-paclitaxel regimens versus docetaxel, researchers conducted an industry-supported, international, randomized phase II trial involving 300 patients with metastatic disease. Patients were randomized to receive docetaxel (100 mg/m² every 3 weeks) or one of three nab-paclitaxel dosing schedules: 100 mg/m² weekly, 150 mg/m² weekly, or 300 mg/m² every 3 weeks. Patients continued treatment until they experienced disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

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