Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel: A Review of Its Use for the First-Line Combination Treatment of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane®) [hereafter referred to as nab-paclitaxel] is an intravenously administered microtubule inhibitor. It was developed to avoid the toxicities associated with the polyoxyethylated castor oil solvent (Cremophor) and ethanol vehicles used to overcome paclitaxel’s poor aqueous solubility. Nab-paclitaxel is indicated in the EU and the USA as first-line combination therapy with gemcitabine in adults with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Compared with gemcitabine alone, nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine significantly prolonged median overall survival, reflecting a 28 % reduction in the risk of death, in adults with metastatic pancreatic cancer participating in a multinational phase III study. In addition, median progression-free survival was significantly prolonged and the objective response rate was significantly higher with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine than with gemcitabine therapy. Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine had a manageable tolerability profile; in general, adverse events in the phase III study were grade 3 or lower and resolved without specific therapy. Neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy were the most frequently reported adverse reactions leading to nab-paclitaxel dose reductions, or to delays in or the withholding of nab-paclitaxel dosing. Peripheral neuropathy was rapidly reversible in the majority of patients following interruptions in nab-paclitaxel administration and a subsequent reduction in the nab-paclitaxel dose. Current evidence indicates that nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine is a valuable option for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.