Introduction:
Docetaxel and paclitaxel are among the most active agents for the treatment of breast cancer. these first-generation taxanes are extremely hydrophobic; therefore, solvents are needed for its parenteral administration. albumin nanoparticle technology allows for the transportation of such hydrophobic drugs without the need of potentially toxic solvents. nab-paclitaxel can be administered without premedication, in a shorter infusion time and without the need for a special infusion set. moreover, this technology allows the selective delivery of larger amounts of anticancer drug to tumors, by exploiting endogenous albumin pathways.
Areas covered:
An overview of the albumin nanoparticle technology, from a clinical perspective, is reported in this paper. the preclinical and clinical development of nab-paclitaxel is reviewed, in the context of available therapies for advanced breast cancer, with a focus on safety data. preclinical and clinical data on the prognostic and predictive role of sparc (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) are also reported.
Expert opinion:
Nab-paclitaxel is approved at present for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, after the failure of first-line standard therapy, when anthracyclines are not indicated. efficacy and safety data, along with a more convenient administration, confirm the potential for nab-paclitaxel to become a reference taxane in breast cancer treatment.