Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel is superior to liposomal paclitaxel in the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer

Aim: The present study aimed to retrospectively compare the efficacy and safety between liposomal paclitaxel (Lps-P) and nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (Nab-P) in neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) of breast cancer. Materials & methods: 235 patients who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and then received dose-dense NST with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel were enrolled. Results: Nab-P has an advantage in improving the total and axillary-only pathologic complete response rate over Lps-P. Although Nab-P can cause a higher incidence and severity of peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN), most symptoms are temporary and reversible. In the Lps-P group, the proportion of patients with residual irreversible PSN is larger. Conclusion: Nab-P might be superior to Lps-P in NST of breast cancer. Plain language summary Neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) is recommended for many patients with breast cancer before they undergo surgery to remove the cancer. This study retrospectively compared the efficacy and safety of two potential NST drugs, liposomal paclitaxel (Lps-P) and nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (Nab-P). Two hundred thirty-five patients participated in the study. These patients had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and were recommended NST with paclitaxel before surgery. The results showed that more participants who received Nab-P had no signs of cancer in their tissue samples from their breasts and armpit lymph nodes than participants who received Lps-P. Although Nab-P can cause a higher incidence and severity of peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN), most symptoms are temporary and reversible. In conclusion, Nab-P might be superior to Lps-P for NST.