In addition to improved anti-tumor activity, nab-paclitaxel administered weekly was associated with less serious adverse events than when administered every three weeks, with significant reductions of nerve damage and muscle and joint pain. More specifically, it was found that a 100 mg/m2 weekly nab-paclitaxel produced less serious adverse events than other doses.

Researchers concluded that nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin is an effective therapy for advanced NSCLC and recommend a phase 3, randomized, multi-center study comparison 100 mg/m2 weekly nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin to solvent-based paclitaxel plus carboplatin.

"Given the high cumulative dose delivered and the excellent safety and efficacy profile of the patients who received 100 mg/m2 weekly nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin, we believe this to be the optimal dosing and schedule for phase 3 comparison in patients with advanced NSCLC," confirms lead investigator Mark A. Socinski, MD of the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Source: International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer