Nab-paclitaxel

Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat all stages of breast cancer.

Nab-paclitaxel is paclitaxel (Taxol) wrapped in a protein called albumin. The albumin allows the medicine to be given in water. This reduces the risk of an allergic reaction, which is common with taxanes such as paclitaxel and docetaxel.

Taxanes must be put in a solvent, a sort of wrapper, so they can dissolve when injected through a vein into your body. Some of the side effects of paclitaxel are associated with its wrapper rather than with the medicine itself. When the taxane is wrapped in protein, it is less likely to cause a drug reaction.

You may hear other names for nab-paclitaxel, such as ABI-007, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel, paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation, and protein-bound paclitaxel.

How nab-paclitaxel works

Nab-paclitaxel works by damaging structures called microtubules that are a supportive “skeleton” in the cancer cells. This stops the cancer cells from dividing normally, slowing their growth and causing them to die.

Who gets nab-paclitaxel

Nab-paclitaxel is used to treat metastatic breast cancer after combination chemotherapy with an anthracycline has stopped working, or if the cancer has come back within 6 months of treatment after surgery for early-stage breast cancer.

Nab-paclitaxel may be used in people with all types of breast cancer, including triple-negative metastatic breast cancer.

It is also sometimes used to treat early-stage breast cancer, either before or after surgery.

How nab-paclitaxel is given

Nab-paclitaxel is given by vein using an IV, either alone or with other treatments, once every 3 weeks or once per week. It is given in less than 30 minutes, compared to the up to 3 hours it takes to receive regular paclitaxel.

Your doctor will recommend a number of cycles you can expect to have as part of your cancer treatment plan.

Side effects and things to remember

The side effects of nab-paclitaxel are similar to paclitaxel. However, nab-paclitaxel has a lower risk of allergic reaction.

Common side effects include:

• Allergic reactions
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Anemia, or lowered red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the lungs and other parts of your body
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Infections
• Joint and muscle pain
• Low platelets, which help clot the blood to stop bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neuropathy (numbness and/or tingling in the hands and feet)
• Neutropenia, or lowered white blood cells, which fight infection in your body
• Rash
• Swelling in the hands or feet

Other side effects include:

• Constipation
• Difficulty breathing
• Kidney problems
• Loss of appetite
• Menopausal symptoms
• Mouth sores
• Vision problems

You should not be treated with nab-paclitaxel if your white blood cell count is low. If you have liver problems, your doctor will likely start out with a lower dose or recommend a different treatment for you.

Before starting nab-paclitaxel, tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. Also let your care team know about all your medical conditions, including liver, heart, or kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a fever because it could signal an infection.

You should avoid becoming pregnant while you are receiving nab-paclitaxel. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or may be pregnant while you are undergoing treatment.

Your care team can help you manage side effects. You can also visit our side effects section to learn more.