The interim analysis from the head-to-head trial also showed that weekly Abraxane nearly doubled the response rate with less toxicity compared to Abraxane dosed every three weeks. Although the data are not fully mature, the interim analysis showed that all three Abraxane regimens currently have longer progression-free survivals than Taxotere dosed every three weeks.
Based on these encouraging data, Abraxis plans to initiate a head-to-head phase III trial comparing weekly Abraxane to every three week Taxotere for the treatment of first-line metastatic breast cancer. The trial is expected to begin in the first half of 2007.
“These data are consistent with previous study results of both Abraxane and Taxotere, and are very encouraging for both physicians and patients,” said William Gradishar, director, Breast Medical Oncology at Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University.