Biweekly paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and the toxicity of paclitaxel administered as a biweekly 1-h infusion (120 mg/m2).

Methods: Twenty patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in this study. Paclitaxel was administered at a dose of 120 mg/m2 by an intravenous 1-h infusion every 2 weeks. The primary objectives of the study were the response rate and toxicity. Pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted in 7 of the 20 patients treated with paclitaxel.

Results: Four of the 20 patients had grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Arthralgia or myalgia was observed in 8 of the 20 patients. Grade 2 or 3 neurotoxicity was observed in 6 of the 20 patients. In the 20 assessable patients, there was one complete response and eight partial responses. The overall response rate was 45%. The mean time to progression was 5.4 months.

Conclusions: Biweekly paclitaxel may be suitable for patients receiving paclitaxel for palliative therapy, as tolerance was similar to that with the weekly schedule, but with the advantage of increased convenience.