Comparing Capecitabine and Paclitaxel for Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Talbot D C, Moiseyenko V, Van Belle S, O'Reilly S M, Alba Conejo E, Ackland S, Eisenberg P, Melnychuk D, Pienkowski T, Burger H-U, Laws S, Osterwalder B
Primary Institution: Cancer Research UK
Hypothesis
Is capecitabine more effective than paclitaxel in treating patients with metastatic breast cancer who have been pretreated with anthracyclines?
Conclusion
Capecitabine is effective in treating advanced breast cancer and has a better safety profile compared to paclitaxel.
Supporting Evidence
- Capecitabine showed a 36% overall response rate compared to 26% for paclitaxel.
- Three patients treated with capecitabine achieved complete responses, while none did with paclitaxel.
- Capecitabine was associated with fewer severe side effects compared to paclitaxel.
Takeaway
This study looked at two medicines for breast cancer and found that one, capecitabine, works well and is easier for patients to take than the other, paclitaxel.
Methodology
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either capecitabine or paclitaxel, and their responses were measured over time.
Potential Biases
Patient preferences for oral versus intravenous treatment may have influenced recruitment.
Limitations
The study did not reach the planned sample size due to recruitment issues and the discontinuation of one treatment arm.
Participant Demographics
Female patients aged 18 and older with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, most having received prior chemotherapy.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 17–59% for capecitabine response rate
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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