TAXANES FOR OVARIAN AND BREAST CANCER
A rapid and systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the taxanes used in the treatment of advanced breast and ovarian cancer
Background
The aim of this systematic review was to bring together the most recent reliable data on the use of paclitaxel and docetaxel as first and second line treatment of advanced breast cancer; and, secondly, the use of paclitaxel as first line treatment of ovarian cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not considered in this review.Findings
This review is based on currently available evidence, which favours docetaxel in the second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer and paclitaxel in the first-line treatment of ovarian cancer. However, the evidence is not robust for any indication. There are several relevant trials in progress, which will need to be taken into consideration once they are suitably mature. Further recommendations for primary research are premature before the final results of ongoing research are published in full. Updating this systematic review is the most pertinent recommendation at this stage.
Conducted by: D Lister-Sharp1, MS McDonagh1, KS Khan1, J Kleijnen1