[Weekly administration of paclitaxel in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer: from rational to practice]

Abstract

Clinical studies showed that paclitaxel is active as single agent and in combination chemotherapy for the management of metastatic breast cancer. A variety of doses and administration schedules have been evaluated in phase II and III trials. Weekly administration of paclitaxel which is generally well tolerated increases the therapeutic index (efficacy/safety) resulting from anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects.