Nanoparticle Polymeric Micellar Paclitaxel Versus Paclitaxel for Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer

Nanoparticle polymeric micellar paclitaxel (NPMP) is a novel Cremophor EL (CrEL)-free nanoparticle micellar formulation of paclitaxel. This study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of NPMP in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

Patients with histologically confirmed AGC in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups. Patients in group A received NPMP at a total dose of 360 mg/m² each cycle, and patients in group B were given paclitaxel at a dose of 210 mg/m² each cycle. In addition, all patients received 5-fluorouracil at a dose of 0.75 g/m² on days 1-4 and leucovorin at a dose of 200 mg/m² on days 1-4 for at least 2 cycles.

From January 2021 to May 2023, 63 patients (32 in group A and 31 in group B) could be evaluated for treatment response. A marked disparity in the overall response was observed between groups A and B, indicating statistical significance. The overall response rate was 31% in group A (10/32) and 10% in group B (3/31) (P = 0.034). Disease control rate was 91% in group A (29/32) and 81% in group B (25/31) (P = 0.440). No statistically significant difference in adverse reactions was observed between the two groups. However, the incidence of anemia, leucopenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver dysfunction, and allergy in group A was notably lower than that in group B.

NPMP combined chemotherapy offers a new, active, and safe treatment for patients with AGC.