Cabazitaxel, a new taxane with favorable properties

Abstract

Cabazitaxel is a new taxane characterized by convenient administration, a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile and a decreased propensity for P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-mediated drug resistance. In preclinical studies cabazitaxel inhibited cell growth in a wide range of human cancer cell lines, including tumor models expressing Pgp. Phase I clinical trials established that the cabazitaxel side effect profile is similar to that reported for taxanes, with neutropenia and neuropathy being the most commonly reported toxicities. Further clinical studies have revealed that cabazitaxel is clinically active in women with taxaneresistant metastatic breast cancer and in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with docetaxel. The TROPIC phase III trial concluded that, compared to mitoxantrone/prednisone, the combination cabazitaxel/prednisone conferred a statistically significantly longer overall survival in patients after treatment with a docetaxel-containing regimen, providing the basis for its FDA approval in 2010.