Abraxane, how differ from Taxol

[jayoung]

51 years old and I just had lumpectomy on left breast; Invasive DCIS, ER/PR negative, HER2 negative; 8.5 mm tumor size; 6 removed lymph nodes were clear. -- Now trying to decide on chemotheraphy. Talk to 3 experts and received 3 chemo regimen.  (1)*. Cytoxin & Taxotere; (2)*. Adriamyacin & Cytoxin and (3)*. Adriamyacin& Cytoxin then followed by short cycle of Abraxane (which is same type of drug as Taxol or Taxotere).  Since I don't have any option of maintenance drugs (ER/PR neg), I am willing to do the most offensive chemo that I can, as an insurance.  I would like to know how long Abraxane has been out, what are the side effects, has it been proven to be as effective as Taxol, is it stronger formular than Taxol or Taxotere?  Is option (2)* stronger than option (1)*? Thank you in advance for your help!

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear jayoung:  As you have now learned, different doctors have different opinions about the best way to treat breast cancer.  There is no guaranteed “best regimen.”  Abraxane has been around for several years and is indicated in treating metastatic breast cancer (although doctors sometimes choose to use a drug “off label.”  The active ingredient in abraxane is paclitaxel (known as taxol).  The difference is that abraxane is protein-bound paclitaxel which means that there may be less hypersensitivity reaction (allergy) upon administration.  Otherwise, the side effect profile is very similar to that of paclitaxel (taxol).   What may be most helpful is if you can speak with a breast cancer expert (at a large academic medical center) who can talk specifically about your case, the three regimens proposed and what is known in the research that may help you make a decision.  In all cases, benefits must be weighed against risk.