What is the new drug?
 

My oncologist told me that the FDA just fast tracked a new drug similiar to Taxol. Does anyone know what it is? He did not say the name and I forgot to ask trying to remember all the things I had to ask him. Does Joe know about this? Something for Al to track down!! Maybe, it was talked about in San Antonio if so I don't remember. He said it has been fast tracked since them. My oncologist said it looked like something he would try me on as soon as it is released. It would take the place of Taxol that causes neuropathy. If no one knows here I will find out next week or I will e-mail his nurse. Hugs, Sandy

Abraxane? That is taxol bound to albumin rather than the regular "solvants". This allows dosing 20X greater without pre-meds.
http://www.abraxisoncology.com/products.htm?1
Al

That's right. It's called Abraxane, made by American BioScience inc.. It's combined with albumin. Apparently, you don't get the solvent-related side effects like allergic reactions so no pre meds are needed ( no steroids). According to the advertisement, it thus allows for stronger taxol doses.


I think it's good

MCS ( maria)

I thought someone here posted earlier that there was no difference regarding neuropathy.
?

I think ? I have also read it may be considred more effective as the binding agent albumin is more attracted to cancerous cells than normal cells, but you will need to check it out.

RB

That would be Abraxane. I had 4 x Dose Dense treatments with it following my my 4x AC Dose Dense treatments. There are no Pre-meds given with it. All it gave me was diarrhea.


Vicki

I am sorry I didn't make this clear it is not Abraxane!! I did ask if it was and he said, "no". We talked about Abraxane and the neuropathy and he said it can be worse but the reps are telling him the neuropathy goes away within 1 month after stopping it. His reply was, "big deal" how does the patient live it the pain while using it. They couldn't give him an answer. I am really curious what it can be. hugs, Sandy

Could it be xyotax?
 

Kind of a long shot because it was fast-tracked as a lung cancer drug that did well in women, although not against breast cancer. It was, however, fast-tracked by the FDA earlier this month and it is a new version of taxol.