title: Paclitaxel and docetaxel in the treatment of breast cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Paclitaxel and docetaxel are considered fundamental drugs in the treatment of breast cancer.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the current role of taxanes in the treatment breast cancer, with emphasis on data from randomized trials comparing the two taxanes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have reviewed the available evidence in the literature to gauge the results of therapy of early and advanced breast cancer with taxanes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinically benefits were first shown in metastatic setting. More recently, benefits have also been seen in the therapy of early-stage disease. It seems reasonable to consider either drug as standard treatment for node-positive early stage or metastatic breast cancer. Future studies should explore the optimal way of combining taxanes with novel biological and cytotoxic drugs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on existing evidence, clinicians should choose a taxane-based regimen for their patients, according to clinical activity, toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics, and a dosing schedule that best meets the therapeutic needs and convenience.
authors.affiliation: University General Hospital of Heraklion, Department of Medical Oncology, Heraklion, Crete.
authors.forename: Emmanouel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saloustros
authors.forename: Dimitris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mavroudis
authors.forename: Vassilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Georgoulias
mesh_terms: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000077143:Docetaxel; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017239:Paclitaxel