Abraxane Uses

Abraxane uses include the treatment of metastatic breast cancer that has failed to respond to other medications and breast cancer that has returned within six mounts of adjuvant chemotherapy. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend the medication for treating other types of cancer. "Off-label" Abraxane uses may include the treatment of lung cancer, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer, and ovarian cancer.

 

What Is Abraxane Used For?

Abraxane® (protein-bound paclitaxel) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer. It is part of a group of medications called taxanes. Specifically, Abraxane is approved to treat breast cancer in the following situations:
 
  • For metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) that has failed to respond to other chemotherapy medications.
     
  • For breast cancer that has returned within six months of adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery).
     

How Does Abraxane Work?

Abraxane is part of a group of medications called taxanes. Taxanes stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with certain structures in the cell.
 
While Abraxane can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells and are, therefore, more affected by Abraxane.
 
Abraxane is a new form of paclitaxel. Paclitaxel does not dissolve well and requires solvents in order to be dissolved and injected. These solvents can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Abraxane is a new form of paclitaxel that is bound to albumin (a protein normally found in the body). Paclitaxel that is bound to albumin dissolves more easily, and solvents are not needed, making Abraxane much less irritating (and can be injected more quickly) than solvent-based paclitaxel.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;