Use of Taxol (paclitaxel) in breast cancer

Taxol (paclitaxel) has demonstrated good antitumor activity against metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in phase II trials. The drug is usually well tolerated. However, severe myelosuppression, including rapidly reversible neutropenia, may necessitate dose reductions and may ultimately limit its use as a long-term treatment. Sequential or simultaneous administration of Taxol and doxorubicin may enhance response rates. There appears to be no complete cross-resistance between the two drugs. Current trials are exploring the best way to deliver this combination while keeping dose-limiting toxicity to a minimum. Additionally, single-agent trials are evaluating Taxol in extensively pretreated MBC. The results of these trials are awaited with interest.