Abraxane

Has anyone used Abraxane for ovarian cancer?

[jr1971]

Hi there - Abraxane is approved for use with Metastatic Breast Cancer and is undergoing trials at the moment in Ovarian Cancer (there is an ongoing phase II trial with Avastin). From what I have read, women who have a severe reaction to Paclitaxel may benefit from being able to take Abraxane as it causes fewer reactions. As the trials appear to be at a relatively early stage it may take a while before we really know how successful it is.

Abraxane is just a slightly modified version of Paclitaxel which avoids the need to use solvents such as Cremphor (the liquid that Paclitaxel is mixed with in order to administer it to the patient). It has been suggested that it is the Cremphor solvent that causes many of the reactions to Paclitaxel. Also as there are fewer side effects it seems that the treatment can be given over 30 minutes instead of 3 hours.

I think it is worth keeping an eye on the progress of Abraxane as it seems to be a promising development. At the moment though, it does not seem to be offered as an option for OVCA. Let's hope the trials have a positive outcome.