Authors' objectives:

To provide an update of a rapid and systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the taxanes used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. This document replaces the previous NICE guidance on the use of taxanes for breast cancer.

Authors' recommendations: The evidence base on paclitaxel as monotherapy for first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer has not changed from the original report, in which there was no evidence that paclitaxel monotherapy was more effective than control treatments. The evidence for the effectiveness of paclitaxel combined with an anthracycline as first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer has not changed substantially from the original report. Paclitaxel may be more effective yet more toxic than non-taxane therapy. Results of ongoing trials are awaited. The evidence base on both taxanes as second-line therapy for advanced breast cancer has not changed from the original report, which found (non-robust) evidence to support the use of docetaxel in second-line therapy of advanced breast cancer, but did not support the use of paclitaxel in this context.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/cat.asp?c=22172

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Contact Address: MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA, UK. Tel: +44 020 7067 5800; Fax: +44 020 7067 5801

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)