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Abraxane okay to substitute for Taxol?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from JustNancy: I will be starting chemotherapy next week. The doctors have recommended 4 cycles of dose-dense AC followed by 4 cycles of dose-dense Taxol. My question is, can I substitute Abraxane for the Taxol? I have read (on this website) that it is easier to tolerate, quicker to administer and gives the same results.
Answers —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: Abraxane (chemical name: albumen-bound paclitaxel) is a very good drug for the rare patient who has a very severe reaction to Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel). On the other hand, serious problems with nerves are more common with Abraxane, and we are not recommending that we substitute Abraxane for Taxol at this time. This would be something to talk over with your own doctor, however. The drug, moreover, is not approved except in people who have advanced, metastatic breast cancer. More practically, the drug is usually not covered by insurance except in rare circumstances in people without metastatic disease. Most people tolerate Taxol very well, and the severe reactions that you've been told might happen are very rare. We wish you the best in the next few weeks, months, and years.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: All along the way, your doctor will make sure that you get the greatest benefit and reduce any side effects.

On Wednesday, December 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the newest research on breast cancer treatment, side effects, risk of recurrence, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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