Albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-P) may play an important role in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients

Background: Taxanes have significantly contributed in the treatment of NSCLC. They are hydrophobic substances, they need premedication and long infusion time. Aim and objectives: Nab-P is a novel water-soluble formulation of paclitaxel (P) that uses serum albumin as a vehicle into a nanoparticle suspension. We present the latest data on the use of nab-P in the treatment of NSCLC. Method: Our source was MEDLINE database till the end of 2010 with key words nab-P, NSCLC. Results: We found three phase I, three phase II trials and one dose-finding non-randomized trial for a phase III trial and the results of a phase III randomized trial presented in the ASCO meeting 2010. The technical advantages over P including shorter infusion time of 30 minutes and no need of premedication. Nab-P has significant single agent activity. When combined with carboplatin (C) or C and bevacizumab, has promising activity in the first line treatment of NSCLC. In the phase III trial with 1038 patients, nab-P combined with C significantly improves response rate (ORR) versus PC. Squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with nab-PC significantly improved ORR versus PC. Toxicity profile presented less high-grade adverse events and minimal risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Conclusion: Latest data for nab-P suggests a safe and efficient profile. Nab-P may replace the older taxanes in case of hypersensitivity reactions. Patients with squamous histotype may have an advantage if treated with nab-P but further investigation is needed.