ASCO: Newer Drugs No Better Than Paclitaxel

Two fairly new and expensive drugs for breast cancer were no more effective or safer than a drug that has been used in this disease for over a decade, finds a phase III cooperative group trial among nearly 800 women with chemotherapy-naïve locally recurrent or metastatic disease. The trial pitted the newer nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) and ixabepilone (Ixempra) against the older paclitaxel (Taxol) as a control, each given weekly, along with bevacizumab (Avastin) given every 2 weeks, as first-line therapy. Dr. Hope S. Rugo discusses the results. For related story, visit www.oncologypractice.com.