[Nab-paclitaxel]

Paclitaxel is conventionally used in a wide range of oncology indications. Nab-paclitaxel is synthesized by a process of high pressure homogenization of paclitaxel in the presence of human albumin and it was originally developed to reduce the toxicity usually associated with cremophor in soluble paclitaxel and to increase its penetration in tumor tissues. After the trials that led to its approval in first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic carcinomas and in second line therapy for metastatic breast cancer, nab-paclitaxel is being tested for many other situations in oncology due to its profile of security and its good tolerance. Different lines of research are being developed about the possible biomarkers that could predict the effect of nab-paclitaxel. This review summarizes the results of trials that led to the approval of the nab-paclitaxel in advanced breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, and also resumes the lines of research to the future development of the drug.