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

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/m2 Q3W based on its superior therapeutic index versus conventional paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 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/m2 QW 3/4, suggesting it may be possible to tailor use of this agent in the future.