Weekly paclitaxel versus weekly docetaxel in elderly or frail patients with metastatic breast carcinoma: A randomized phase-II study of the Belgian Society of Medical Oncology☆

Abstract 

This randomized phase-II trial investigated the efficacy and tolerability of weekly docetaxel or paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients considered unfit for a 3-weekly therapy.

The primary study endpoint was antitumor activity, the second endpoint was tolerability, time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). In intent-to-treat analysis, we observed for paclitaxel and docetaxel respectively partial response (PR) in 48% versus 38%, stable disease (SD) in 24% versus 16%, PD in 15% versus 30%. Median TTP was 21.1 weeks versus 12.7 weeks and median OS 55.7 weeks versus 32 weeks. Toxicity profiles were acceptable with more anemia and neurotoxicity for paclitaxel and more edema and fatigue for docetaxel.

In patients with MBC unfit for 3-weekly docetaxel or paclitaxel, weekly administration of either compound may certainly be considered. They display different, but acceptable toxicity profiles, with levels of antitumoral efficacy comparable to those previously reported for 3-weekly regimens.

Keywords: Metastatic breast cancer, Taxanes, Frail and elderly patients