Docetaxel demonstrates improved survival in breast cancer, compared
with paclitaxel
The first direct comparative study of the taxanes has found better survival in advanced breast cancer for those taking docetaxel compared with those taking paclitaxel at the standard doses of the two drugs (Journal
of Clinical Oncology 2005;23:5542).
Stephen Jones, University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio,
and colleagues conducted the study, which was supported by Aventis Pharmaceuticals.
It involved 449 women with locally advanced or metastatic cancer who
had already failed on a chemotherapy regimen containing anthracycline.
A third of the women were alive after two years on docetaxel compared
with just over one in five of those on paclitaxel.
At the end of four years the difference in survival was proportionately
similar: 11 per cent in the docetaxel group and 7 per cent in the paclitaxel
group.
In addition, median time to progression was longer for those on docetaxel
than it was for those on paclitaxel (5.7 months versus 3.6 months, P<0.0001).
Paul Ellis, a consultant oncologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS
Foundation Trust, London, said the results support UK prescribing. “At
the licensed doses docetaxel appears to be superior. In three week-dosing — the
schedule for which these drugs have a product licence — most UK
oncologists would already choose docetaxel over paclitaxel because we
have thought for a while from clinical experience that it was more potent.”
Dr Ellis pointed out that there were more adverse effects in patients
treated with docetaxel, including more neutropenia, infections and diarrhoea.
The quality of life scores of patients in the two arms were similar. |
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