Nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab-) paclitaxel is a solvent-free paclitaxel formulation that has been designed to reduce adverse reactions associated with conventional solvent-based paclitaxel formulations and to improve paclitaxel tumor penetration by exploiting the physiologic transport properties of albumin. In a recently reported phase 3 trial that compared nab-paclitaxel and solvent-based paclitaxel injection in combination with carboplatin as first-line treatment of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), nab-paclitaxel was associated with a significantly greater overall response rate (ORR), the primary end point, and a reduced risk of neuropathy.1 The findings in this international trial, combined with the demonstration of paclitaxel efficacy in this setting, supported the recent approval of nab-paclitaxel combined with carboplatin as first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC. Subset analyses in the trial suggested some potential response and survival advantages with nab-paclitaxel treatment.
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