The role of taxanes in triple-negative breast cancer: literature review

Giorgio Mustacchi,1 Michelino De Laurentiis2 1Medical Oncology, University of Trieste, Trieste, 2Breast Medical Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy Abstract: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent tumor worldwide. Triple-negative BCs are characterized by the negative estrogen and progesterone receptors and negative HER2, and represent 15% of all BCs. In this review, data on the use of taxanes in triple-negative BCs are analyzed, concluding they are effective in any clinical setting (neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic). Further, the role of nab-paclitaxel (formulation of albumin-bound paclitaxel) in these tumors is also evaluated. The available data show the clinical potential of nab-paclitaxel based combinations in terms of long-duration response, increased survival, and better quality of life of patients with triple-negative metastatic BC. The ongoing trials will give further information on the better management of this type of tumor. Keywords: nab-paclitaxel, paclitaxel, docetaxel, bevacizuma