Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (ABI-007): a newer taxane alternative in breast cancer.

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy in women of developed countries. Taxanes are cornerstones in the treatment of breast cancer. Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (ABI-007, Abraxane) is a novel taxane that obviates the need of using a toxic solvent such as Cremophor EL leading to a safer administration without standard premedication. Several factors such as the presence of albumin receptors in cell surface, the increased need of nutrients such as albumin by tumor cells and the lack of sequestering Cremophor micelles lead to increased intratumoral concentration of this new taxane. Recent trials have shown that ABI-007 is not only well tolerated but, compared with conventional paclitaxel, is associated with superior response rate, longer time to tumor progression and prolonged survival as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer.