Clinical efficacy and emerging therapeutic utilization of novel taxanes

A significant advance in cancer treatment was achieved in the mid-1990s with the introduction of solvent-based taxanes. However, first-generation taxanes required synthetic solvents to promote parenteral administration, occasionally caused serious toxicities, and compromised treatment efficacy. This led to the development of second-generation taxanes, including a solvent-free albumin-bound form of paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel). Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of nab-paclitaxel monotherapy and in combination with other anticancer agents for the treatment of breast cancer. Results from several recent trials also suggest a role for nab-paclitaxel in the treatment of lung cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This article reviews the clinical efficacy and emerging role for novel taxanes in the treatment of breast and other solid tumors, and provides an overview of key issues for consideration in the clinical application of novel taxanes in cancer treatment regimens in order to achieve optimal antitumor efficacy while minimizing adverse events.