Biweekly paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and the toxicity of paclitaxel administered as a biweekly 1-h infusion (120 mg/m²).

Methods

Twenty patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in this study. Paclitaxel was administered at a dose of 120 mg/m² by an intravenous 1-h infusion every 2 weeks. The primary objectives of the study were the response rate and toxicity. Pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted in 7 of the 20 patients treated with paclitaxel.

Results

Four of the 20 patients had grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Arthralgia or myalgia was observed in 8 of the 20 patients. Grade 2 or 3 neurotoxicity was observed in 6 of the 20 patients. In the 20 assessable patients, there was one complete response and eight partial responses. The overall response rate was 45%. The mean time to progression was 5.4 months.

Conclusions

Biweekly paclitaxel may be suitable for patients receiving paclitaxel for palliative therapy, as tolerance was similar to that with the weekly schedule, but with the advantage of increased convenience.