Retrospective comparisons of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel and docetaxel neoadjuvant regimens for breast cancer

Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of 2-weekly nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nP) and 3-weekly docetaxel regimens as neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) for breast cancer. Materials & methods: Patients (n = 201) received NST comprising either dose-dense epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by 2-weekly nP (n = 104) or 3-weekly courses of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel (n = 97). Results: Higher pathological complete response rates were achieved by the nP group. Subgroup analysis showed that the nP-based regimen achieved higher pathological complete response rates in patients with triple-negative tumor cells and high Ki67 levels. However, grades 3-4 peripheral sensory neuropathies were more frequent in the nP group. Conclusion: The 2-weekly nP-based regimen might be a better choice of NST for patients with breast cancer.