Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2015 Jun 10;2015(6):CD003366.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003366.pub3.

Taxane-containing regimens for metastatic breast cancer

Davina Ghersi  1 , Melina L Willson, Matthew Ming Ki Chan, John Simes, Emma Donoghue, Nicholas Wilcken
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Taxane-containing regimens for metastatic breast cancer

Davina Ghersi et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: It is generally accepted that taxanes are among the most active chemotherapy agents in the management of metastatic breast cancer. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2003.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to compare taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens with regimens not containing a taxane in the management of women with metastatic breast cancer.

Search methods: In this review update, we searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), and ClinicalTrials.gov on 14 February 2013 using keywords such as 'advanced breast cancer' and 'chemotherapy'. We searched reference lists of articles, contacted study authors, and did not apply any language restrictions.

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens to regimens without taxanes in women with metastatic breast cancer. We included published and unpublished studies.

Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We derived hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival, time to progression, and time to treatment failure where possible, and used a fixed-effect model for meta-analysis. We represented objective tumour response rates and toxicity as risk ratios (RRs). We extracted quality of life data where present.

Main results: This review included 28 studies. The updated analysis included 6871 randomised women, while the original review had 3643 women. Of the 28 included studies, we considered 19 studies to be at low risk of bias overall; however, some studies failed to report details on allocation concealment and methods of outcome assessment for those outcomes that are more likely to be influenced by a lack of blinding (for example tumour response rate). Studies varied in the taxane-containing chemotherapy backbone, and the comparator arms and were categorised into three groups: Regimen A plus taxane versus Regimen A (2 studies); Regimen A plus taxane versus Regimen B (14 studies); and single-agent taxane versus Regimen C (13 studies). Thirteen studies used paclitaxel, 14 studies used docetaxel, and 1 study allowed the investigator to decide on the type of taxane; the majority of studies delivered a taxane every 3 weeks. Twenty studies administered taxanes as first-line treatment, and 21 studies involved anthracycline naïve women in the metastatic setting. The combined HR for overall survival and time to progression favoured the taxane-containing regimens (HR 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 0.99, P = 0.002, deaths = 4477; and HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97, P = 0.002, estimated 5122 events, respectively) with moderate to substantial heterogeneity across trials. If the analyses were restricted to studies of first-line chemotherapy, this effect persisted for overall survival (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, P = 0.03) but not for time to progression (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.02, P = 0.22). Tumour response rates appeared to be better with taxane-containing chemotherapy in assessable women (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.27, P < 0.00001) with substantial heterogeneity across studies. Taxanes were associated with an increased risk of neurotoxicity (RR 4.84, 95% CI 3.18 to 7.35, P < 0.00001, 24 studies) and hair loss (RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.87, P = 0.0006, 11 studies) but less nausea/vomiting compared to non-taxane-containing regimens (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.83, P = 0.001, 26 studies). Leukopaenia and treatment-related death did not differ between the two groups (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.17, P = 0.16, 28 studies; and RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.57, P = 0.99, 23 studies, respectively). For quality of life measures, none of the individual studies reported a difference in overall or any of quality of life subscales between taxane-containing and non-taxane chemotherapy regimens.

Authors' conclusions: Taxane-containing regimens appear to improve overall survival, time to progression, and tumour response rate in women with metastatic breast cancer. Taxanes are also associated with an increased risk of neurotoxicity but less nausea and vomiting compared to non-taxane-containing regimens. The considerable heterogeneity encountered across studies probably reflects the varying efficacy of the comparator regimens used in these studies and indicates that taxane-containing regimens are more effective than some, but not all, non-taxane-containing regimens.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

DG: none known MW: none known MC: no relevant conflict of interest JS: no relevant conflict of interest ED: none known NW: has received honoraria from Aventis

Figures

1
1
Review update: study flow diagram.
2
2
'Risk of bias' summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
3
3
Summary of chemotherapy regimens used in the included studies
4
4
Forest plot of comparison: 1 Overall Survival, outcome: 1.1 Overall effect: Taxane‐containing regimens vs. not.
5
5
Forest plot of comparison: 2 Time to Progression, outcome: 2.1 Overall effect: Taxane‐containing regimens vs not.
6
6
Forest plot of comparison: 4 Overall Response Rate, outcome: 4.1 Overall effect: assessable patients.
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Overall Survival, Outcome 1 Overall effect: Taxane‐containing regimens vs. not.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Overall Survival, Outcome 2 First‐line trials only: overall.
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Overall Survival, Outcome 3 Subquestions A, B & C.
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Overall Survival, Outcome 4 Chemotherapy regimens.
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Overall Survival, Outcome 5 Type of taxane.
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Overall Survival, Outcome 6 Prior anthracyclines.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Time to Progression, Outcome 1 Overall effect: Taxane‐containing regimens vs not.
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Time to Progression, Outcome 2 First‐line trials only: overall.
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 Time to Progression, Outcome 3 Subquestions A, B & C.
2.4
2.4. Analysis
Comparison 2 Time to Progression, Outcome 4 Subquestions A, B & C: first‐line only.
2.5
2.5. Analysis
Comparison 2 Time to Progression, Outcome 5 Chemotherapy Regimens.
2.6
2.6. Analysis
Comparison 2 Time to Progression, Outcome 6 Type of taxane.
2.7
2.7. Analysis
Comparison 2 Time to Progression, Outcome 7 Prior anthracyclines.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Time to Treatment Failure, Outcome 1 Subquestions A, B & C.
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 1 Overall effect: assessable patients.
4.2
4.2. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 2 Overall effect: randomised patients.
4.3
4.3. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 3 First‐line trials only: assessable patients.
4.4
4.4. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 4 Overall effect: randomised patients ‐ firstline only.
4.5
4.5. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 5 Subquestions A, B & C: assessable patients.
4.6
4.6. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 6 Subquestions A, B & C: randomised patients.
4.7
4.7. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 7 Subquestions A, B & C: assessable patients ‐ first‐line only.
4.8
4.8. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 8 Subquestions A, B & C: randomised patients ‐ firstline only.
4.9
4.9. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 9 Type of taxane: assessable patients.
4.10
4.10. Analysis
Comparison 4 Overall Response Rate, Outcome 10 Prior anthracyclines: assessable patients.
5.1
5.1. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 1 Treatment‐related death: overall effect.
5.2
5.2. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 2 Leukopaenia: overall effect.
5.3
5.3. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 3 Leukopaenia: subquestions A, B & C.
5.4
5.4. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 4 Nausea or vomiting: overall effect.
5.5
5.5. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 5 Nausea or vomiting: subquestions A, B & C.
5.6
5.6. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 6 Neurotoxicity: overall effect.
5.7
5.7. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 7 Neurotoxicity: subquestions A, B & C.
5.8
5.8. Analysis
Comparison 5 Toxicity, Outcome 8 Alopecia: overall effect.
6.1
6.1. Analysis
Comparison 6 Risk of bias, Outcome 1 Overall survival.
6.2
6.2. Analysis
Comparison 6 Risk of bias, Outcome 2 Time to progression.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

303 Study Group {published data only}
    1. Aapro M. Docetaxel versus doxorubicin in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have failed alkylating chemotherapy: a preliminary report of the randomized phase III trial. 303 Study Group. Seminars in Oncology 1998;25(5 Supplement 12):7‐11. - PubMed
    1. Chan S. Docetaxel vs doxorubicin in metastatic breast cancer resistant to alkylating chemotherapy. Oncology (Huntington) 1997;11(8 Supplement 8):19‐24. - PubMed
    1. Chan S, Friedrichs K, Noel D, Duarte R, Vorobiof D, Pinter T, et al. Docetaxel (Taxotere) vs doxorubicin in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have failed alkylating chemotherapy. Randomized multicenter phase III trial. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 1997. 1997; Vol. 16:Abstract 540.
    1. Chan S, Friedrichs K, Noel D, Pinter T, Belle S, Vorobiof D, et al. A phase III study of taxotere vs doxorubicin in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have failed an alkylating containing regimen. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 1997; San Antonio. 1997; Vol. 46:Abstract 1. [MEDLINE: ]
    1. Chan S, Friedrichs K, Noel D, Pinter T, Belle S, Vorobiof D, et al. Prospective randomized trial of docetaxel versus doxorubicin in patients with metastatic breast cancer. John Crown for the 303 Study Group. Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999;17(8):2341‐54. - PubMed
304 Study Group {published data only}
    1. Nabholtz JM. Docetaxel (Taxotere) vs mitomycin C + vinblastine in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have failed an anthracycline‐containing regimen. Preliminary evaluation of a randomized phase III study. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 1997. 1997; Vol. 16:Abstract 148a.
    1. Nabholtz JM, Crown J. Phase III studies of single‐agent docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have progressed despite previous chemotherapy regimens: preliminary results. Seminars in Oncology 1998;25(6 Supplement 13):4‐9. - PubMed
    1. Nabholtz JM, Senn HJ, Bezwoda WR, Melnychuk D, Deschenes L, Douma J, et al. Prospective randomized trial of docetaxel versus mitomycin plus vinblastine in patients with metastatic breast cancer progressing despite previous anthracycline‐containing chemotherapy. 304 Study Group. Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999;17(5):1413‐24. - PubMed
    1. Nabholtz JM, Thuerlimann B, Beswoda WR, Melnychuk D, Deschenes L, Douma J, et al. Taxotere (T) improves survival over mitomycin C vinblastine (mv) in patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (mbc) who have failed an anthracycline (ant) containing regimen: final results of a phase III randomized trial. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 1998. 1998; Vol. 17:Abstract 390.
    1. Nabholtz JM, Thuerlimann B, Bezwoda WR, Melnychuk D, Deschenes L, Douma J, et al. Taxotere vs mitomycin c‐vinblastine in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have failed an anthracycline containing regimen. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 1997; San Antonio. 1997; Vol. 46:Abstract 401.
306 Study Group {published data only}
    1. Nabholtz JM, Falkson C, Campos D, Szanto J, Martin M, Chan S, et al. Docetaxel and doxorubicin compared with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as first‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: results of a randomized, multicenter, phase III trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2003;21(6):968‐75. - PubMed
    1. Nabholtz JM, Falkson G, Campos D, Szanto J, Martin M, Chan S, et al. A Phase III trial comparing doxorubicin (A) and docetaxel (T) (AT) to doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) as firstline chemotherapy for MBC. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 1999. 1999; Vol. 18:Abstract 485.
AGO {published data only}
    1. Konecny G, Kuhn W, Sattler D, Thomssen C, Bauknecht T, Eidtmann H, et al. Epirubicin/paclitaxel (ET) vs epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC) as first line chemotherapy (CRx) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC): toxicity data and overall response rates of a randomized multicenter trial. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 1998; San Antonio. 1998; Vol. 50:Abstract 222.
    1. Konecny G, Thomssen C, Pegram M, Luck H, Untch M, Pauletti G, et al. HER‐2/neu Gene amplification and response to paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 2001; Vol. 20:Abstract 88.
    1. Luck HJ, Thomssen C, Untch M, Kuhn W, Eidtmann H, du Bois A, et al. Multicentric Phase III Study in firstline treatment of advanced metastatic breast cancer (ABC). Epirubicin/paclitaxel (ET) vs epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (EC). A study of the Ago Breast Cancer Group. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2000. 2000; Vol. 19:Abstract 280.
    1. Müller V, Bauknecht T, du Bois A, Eidtmann H, Jackisch C, Köhler G, et al. A randomized multicenter phase III trial comparing epirubicin and paclitaxel as first line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 1999; San Antonio. 1999; Vol. 57:Abstract 331.
    1. Schroeder W, Luck HJ, Thomssen C, Mobus V, Kuhn W, Minckwitz G. Phase III multicenter trial of epirubicin‐paclitaxel vs epirubicin‐cyclophosphamide first‐line therapy of metastatic breast cancer. An AGO Study protocol. European Society for Medical Oncology Congress Proceedings; 1998. 1998; Vol. 9 (Supplement 4):Abstract 560.
ANZ TITG {published data only}
    1. Bishop JF, Australia and New Zealand Taxol Investigators Trials Group. Taxol versus CMFP combination therapy in advanced untreated patients with breast cancer (protocol). Trial protocol 1995.
    1. Bishop JF, Dewar J, Tattersall MH, Smith J, Olver I, Ackland S, et al. A randomized phase III study of Taxol (paclitaxel) vs CMFP in untreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 1996; Chicago. 1996; Vol. 15:Abstract 107.
    1. Bishop JF, Dewar J, Toner G, Tattersall MH, Olver I, Ackland S, et al. A randomized study of paclitaxel versus cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/5‐fluorouracil/prednisone in previously untreated patients with advanced breast cancer: preliminary results. Taxol Investigational Trials Group, Australia/New Zealand. Seminars in Oncology 1997;24(5 Supplement 17):9. - PubMed
    1. Bishop JF, Dewar J, Toner GC, Smith J, Tattersall MH, Olver IN, et al. Initial paclitaxel improves outcome compared with CMFP combination chemotherapy as front‐line therapy in untreated metastatic breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999;17(8):2355‐64. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Bishop JF, Dewar J, Toner GC, Tattersall MH, Olver IN, Ackland S, et al. Paclitaxel as first‐line treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Oncology (Huntington) 1997;11(4 Supplement 3):19‐23. - PubMed
Blohmer {published data only}
    1. Blohmer JU, Hauschild M, Hilfich J, Kleine‐Tebbe A, Kuemmel S, Lichtenegger W. [Safety and efficacy of first‐line epirubicin‐docetaxel versus epirubicin‐cyclophosphamide; updated results of multicentre randomised phase III trial in metastatic breast cancer]. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2004. 2004; Vol. 22:Abstract 14S.
    1. Blohmer JU, Schmid P, Hilfich J, Friese K, Kleine‐Tebbe A, Koelbl H, et al. Epirubicin and cyclophosphamide versus epirubicin and docetaxel as first‐line therapy for women with metastatic breast cancer: final results of a randomised phase III trial. Annals of Oncology 2010;21:1430‐5. - PubMed
Bonneterre {published data only}
    1. Bonneterre J, Dieras V, Tubiana‐Hulin M, Bougnoux P, Bonneterre M, Delozier T, et al. 6 cycles of epirubicin / docetaxel (ET) versus 6 cycles of 5FU epirubicin / cyclophosphamide (FEC) as first line metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2001. 2001; Vol. 20:Abstract 42a.
    1. Bonneterre J, Dieras V, Tubiana‐Hulin M, Bougnoux P, Bonneterre ME, Delozier T, et al. Phase II multicentre randomised study of docetaxel plus epirubicin vs 5‐fluorouracil plus epirubicin and cyclophosphamide in metastatic breast cancer. British Journal of Cancer 2004;91(8):1466‐71. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Dieras V, Tubiana‐Hulin M, Bougnoux P, Bonneterre M‐E, Mayer F, Delozier T, et al. 6 cycles of epirubicin/taxotere (ET) versus 6 cycles of 5FU/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (FEC) as first line metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment: preliminary results of a randomised phase II trial. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2000; San Antonio. 2001; Vol. 64:Abstract 314.
Bontenbal {published data only}
    1. Bontenbal M, Braun JJ, Creemers GJ, Boer AC, Janssen JTP, Leys MBL, et al. Phase III study comparing AT (Adriamycin, Docetaxel) to FAC (Fluorouracil, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide) as first‐line chemotherapy (CT) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). European Journal of Cancer Supplements 2003;1(5):S201‐2.
    1. Bontenbal M, Creemers GJ, Braun HJ, Boer AC, Janssen JT, Leys RB, et al. Phase II to III study comparing doxorubicin and docetaxel with fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide as first‐line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer: results of a Dutch community setting trial for the clinical trial group of the comprehensive cancer centre. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2005;23(28):7081‐8. - PubMed
CECOG BM1 {published data only}
    1. Zielinski C, Beslija S, Cervek J, Mrsic‐Krmpotic Z, Tchernozemsky I, Wiltschke C, et al. Gemcitabine/Epirubicin/Paclitaxel (GET) vs. 5‐fluorouracil/Epirubicin/Cyclophosphamide (FEC) as first‐line treatment in metastatic breast cancer: interim toxicity analysis of a randomised, multicenter phase III trial of the Central European Cooperative Oncology Group (CECOG). Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2001. 2001; Vol. 20:Abstract 1958.
    1. Zielinski C, Beslija S, Mrsic‐Krmpotic Z, Welnicka‐Jaskiewicz M, Wiltschke C, Kahan Z, et al. Gemcitabine, epirubicin, and paclitaxel versus fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide as first‐line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer: a Central European Cooperative Oncology Group international, multicenter, prospective, randomized phase III trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2005;23(7):1401‐8. - PubMed
Dieras {published data only}
    1. Dieras V, Marty M, Tubiana N, Corette L, Morvan F, Serin D, et al. Phase II randomised study of paclitaxel versus mitomycin in advanced breast cancer. Seminars in Oncology 1995;22(4):33‐9. - PubMed
ECOG E1193 (A) {published data only}
    1. Sledge GW. Doxorubicin/paclitaxel combination chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group experience. Seminars in Oncology 1995;22(5 Supplement 12):123‐9. - PubMed
    1. Sledge GW, Jr, Neuberg D, Ingle J, Martino S, Wood W. Phase III trial of doxorubicin (A) vs paclitaxel (T) vs doxorubicin + paclitaxel (A + T) as first‐line therapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC): an intergroup trial. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 1997. 1997; Vol. 16:16.
    1. Sledge GW, Neuberg D, Bernardo P, Ingle JN, Martino S, Rowinsky EK, et al. Phase III trial of doxorubicin, paclitaxel and the combination of doxorubicin and paclitaxel as front‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: an intergroup trial (E1193). Journal of Clinical Oncology 2003;21(4):588‐92. - PubMed
    1. Sledge GWJ, Robert N, Sparano JA, Cogleigh M, Goldstein LJ, Neuberg D, et al. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group studies of paclitaxel and doxorubicin in advanced breast cancer. Seminars in Oncology 1995;22:105‐8. - PubMed
ECOG E1193 (B) {published data only}
    1. Sledge GW, Neuberg D, Bernardo P, Ingle JN, Martino S, Rowinsky EK, et al. Phase III trial of doxorubicin, paclitaxel and the combination of doxorubicin and paclitaxel as front‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: an intergroup trial (E1193). Journal of Clinical Oncology 2003;21(4):588‐92. - PubMed
EORTC 10923 {published data only}
    1. Awada A, Paridaens R, Bruning P, Klijn J, Gamucci T, Houston S, et al. Doxorubicin or taxol as first‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: Results of an EORTC‐IDBBC/ECSG randomised trial with crossover (EORTC 10923). Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Conference Proceedings; 1997; San Antonio. 1997; Vol. 46:Abstract 2.
    1. Bruning P, Piccart MJ, Klijn J, Gamucci T, Kusenda Z, Roy JA, et al. Paclitaxel (P) versus doxorubicin (D) as first line chemotherapy (CT) in advanced breast cancer (ABC): a randomized trial with crossover of the EORTC‐IDBBC in collaboration with EORTC‐ECSG. European Journal of Cancer (Supplement) 1996;32(2):50.
    1. Kramer JA, Curran D, Piccart M, Haes JC, Bruning P, Klijn J, et al. Identification and interpretation of clinical and quality of life prognostic factors for survival and response to treatment in first‐line chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer. European Journal of Cancer 2000;36(12):1498‐506. - PubMed
    1. Kramer JA, Curran D, Piccart M, Haes JC, Bruning PF, Klijn JG, et al. Randomised trial of paclitaxel versus doxorubicin as first‐line chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer: quality of life evaluation using the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and the Rotterdam symptom checklist. European Journal of Cancer 2000;36(12):1488‐97. - PubMed
    1. Paridaens R. Efficacy of paclitaxel or doxorubicin used as single agents in advanced breast cancer: a literature survey. Seminars in Oncology 1998;25(5 Supplement 12):3‐6. - PubMed
EORTC 10961 {published data only}
    1. Biganzoli L, Cufer T, Bruning P, Coleman R, Duchateau L, Calvert AH, et al. Doxorubicin and paclitaxel versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as first‐line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer: EORTC 10961. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2002;20(14):3114‐21. - PubMed
    1. Biganzoli L, Cufer T, Bruning P, Coleman RE, Duchateau L, Rapoport B, et al. Doxorubicin‐paclitaxel: a safe regimen in terms of cardiac toxicity in metastatic breast carcinoma patients. Results from a European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Multicenter Trial. Cancer 2003;97(1):40‐5. - PubMed
    1. Bottomley A, Biganzoli L, Cufer T, Coleman RE, Coens C, Efficace F, et al. Randomized, controlled trial investigating short‐term health‐related quality of life with doxorubicini and paclitaxel versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as first‐line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Breast Cancer Group, Investigational Drug Branch for Breast Cancer and the New Drug Development Group Study. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2004;22(13):2576‐86. - PubMed
    1. Piccart‐Gebhart MJ. Phase III randomised study of first‐line chemotherapy with doxorubicin/paclitaxel vs doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide in metastatic breast cancer. Physician Data Query (NCI website) 1998.
EU‐93011 {unpublished data only}
    1. Heidemann E, Hollander N, Minckwitz G, Souchon R, Clemens MR, Mahike M, et al. Mitoxantrone (M) versus mitoxantrone plus docetaxel (MDoc) as first‐line therapy for patients with high‐risk metastatic breast cancer: results of a multicentre randomized trial. Unpublished manuscript (as supplied March 2011). Data on file.
    1. Heidemann E, Minckwitz GV, Hollander N, Souchon R, Clemens M, Mahike M, et al. Mitoxantrone plus docetaxel vs single agent mitoxantrone in metastatic breast cancer (MBC): results of a multicenter randomized trial. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2004. 2004; Vol. 22, No 14S:637.
    1. NCT00002544. Mitoxantrone with or without docetaxel in treating women with metastatic breast cancer. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00002544 (accessed 12 January 2011).
HERNATA {published data only}
    1. Andersson M, Lidbrink E, Bjerre K, Wist E, Enevoldsen K, Jensen AB, et al. Phase III randomized study comparing docetaxel plus trastuzumab with vinorelbine plus trastuzumab as first‐line therapy of metastatic or locally advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive breast cancer: the HERNATA study. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2011;29(3):264‐71. - PubMed
Jassem {published data only}
    1. Jassem J, Pienkowski T, Pluzanska A, Jelic S, Gorbunova V, Berzins J, et al. Doxorubicin and paclitaxel versus fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as first‐line therapy for women with advanced breast cancer: long‐term analysis of the previously published trial. Onkologie 2009;32(8‐9):468‐72. - PubMed
    1. Jassem J, Pienkowski T, Pluzanska A, Jelic S, Gorbunova V, Mrsic‐Krmpotic Z, et al. Doxorubicin and paclitaxel versus fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide as first‐line therapy for women with metastatic breast cancer: final results of a randomized phase III multicenter trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2001;19(6):1707‐15. - PubMed
    1. Pluzanska A, Jassem J, Jelic S, Gorbunova V, Mrsic‐Krmpotic Z, Berzins J, et al. Randomized open‐label phase III multicenter trial comparing TAXOL/doxorubicin (AT) versus 5‐fluorouracil/doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FAC) as a first line treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer. European Journal of Cancer 1999;35(Supplement 4):S314.
    1. Pluzanska A, Pienkowski T, Jelic S, Mrsic‐Krmpotic Z, Gorbunova V, Garin A, et al. Phase III multicenter trial comparing Taxol®/Doxorubicin (AT) vs 5‐fluorouracil/Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide (FAC) as a first line treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 1999; San Antonio. 1999; Vol. 57:Abstract 21.
JCOG9802 {published data only}
    1. Katsumata N, Minami H, Aogi K, Tabei T, Sano M, Masuda N, et al. Phase III trial of doxorubicin (A)/cyclophosphamide (C) (AC), docetaxel (D), and alternating AC and D (AC‐D) as front‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC): Japan Clinical Oncology Group trial (JCOG9802). Journal of Clinical Oncology; Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2005. 2005; Vol. 23, No 16S:Abstract 521. - PubMed
    1. Katsumata N, Watanabe T, Minami H, Aogi K, Tabei T, Sano M, et al. Phase III trial of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide (AC), docetaxel, and alternating AC and docetaxel as front‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: Japan Clinical Oncology Group trial (JCOG9802). Annals of Oncology 2009;20(7):1210‐5. - PubMed
Lyman {published data only}
    1. Lyman GH, Green SK, Ravdin PM, Geyer Jn CE, Russell CA, Balcerzak SP, et al. A Southwest Oncology Group randomized phase II study of doxorubicin and paclitaxel as frontline chemotherapy for women with metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 2004;85(2):143‐50. - PubMed
Meier {published data only}
    1. Meier CR, Illiger HJ, Steder M, Janssen J, Deertz H, Braun M, et al. Weekly vinorelbine versus docetaxel for metastatic breast cancer after failing anthracycline treatment. Onkologie 2008;31(8‐9):447‐53. - PubMed
Nabholtz {published data only}
    1. Mackey JR, Paterson A, Dirix LY, Dewar J, Chap L, Martin M, et al. [Final results of the phase III randomized trial comparing doectaxel (T), doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) to FAC as first line chemotherapy (CT) for patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC)]. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2002. 2002; Vol. 21:Abstract 137.
    1. Nabholtz JA, Paterson A, Dirix L, Dewar J, Chap L, Martin M, et al. A phase III randomized trial comparing docetaxel (T), doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) (TAC) to FAC as first line chemotherapy (CT) for patients (Pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Proceeding of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2001. 2001; Vol. 20:Abstract 83.
Rugo {published data only}
    1. Rugo HS, Campone M, Amadori D, Aldrighetti D, Conte P, Wardley A, et al. A randomized, phase II, three‐arm study of two schedules of ixabepilone or paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as first‐line therapy for metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 2013;139(2):411‐9. [PUBMED: 23649189] - PMC - PubMed
    1. Rugo HS, Campone M, Amadori D, Wardley A, Villa E, Conte PF, et al. Randomized phase II study of weekly versus every‐3‐week ixabepilone plus bevaziumab (ixa/bev) versus paclitaxel plus bev (pac/bev) as first‐line therapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2009. 2009; Vol. 27 No 15S:Abstract 1029.
    1. Rugo HS, Campone M, Amadori D, Wardley AM, Aldrighetti D, Conte PF, et al. Randomized phase II study of weekly versus every 3 week ixabepilone plus bevacizumab (ixa/bev) versus paclitaxel plus bev (pac/bev) as first‐line therapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC): final results. Journal of Clinical Oncology; American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting Proceedings; 2010. 2010; Vol. 28 Supplement 15:Abstract 1040.
Sjostrom {published data only}
    1. Hakamies‐Blomqvist L, Luoma M, Sjostrom J, Pluzanska A, Sjodin M, Mouridsen H, et al. Quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving either docetaxel or sequential methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil. A multicentre randomised phase III trial by the Scandinavian Breast Group. European Journal of Cancer 2000;36(11):1411‐7. - PubMed
    1. Luoma ML, Hakamies‐Blomqvist L, Sjostrom J, Pluzanska A, Ottoson S, Mouridsen H, et al. Prognostic value of quality of life scores for time to progression (TTP) and overall survival time (OS) in advanced breast cancer. European Journal of Cancer 2003;39(10):1370‐6. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Sjostrom J, Blomqvist C, Mouridsen H, Pluzanska A, Ottosson‐Lonn S, Bengtsson NO, et al. Docetaxel compared with sequential methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil in patients with advanced breast cancer after anthracycline failure: a randomised phase III study with crossover on progression by the Scandinavian Breast Group. European Journal of Cancer 1999;35(8):1194‐201. - PubMed
    1. Sjostrom J, Mouridsen H, Pluzanska A, Ottosson‐Lonn S, Bengtsson N‐O, Ostenstad B, et al. Taxotere (T) versus methotrexate‐5‐fluorouracil (MF) in patients with advanced anthracycline‐resistant breast cancer: preliminary results of a randomized phase III study by Scandanavian Breast Group. Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 1998; Vol. 17:Abstract 427.
Talbot {published data only}
    1. Talbot DC, Moiseyenko V, Belle S, O'Reilly SM, Albo Conejo E, Ackland S, et al. Randomised, phase II trial comparing oral capecitabine (Xeloda) with paclitaxel in patients with metastatic/advanced breast cancer pretreated with anthracyclines. British Journal of Cancer 2002;86(9):1367‐72. - PMC - PubMed
TOG {published data only}
    1. Icli F, Akbulut H, Uner A, Bulent Y, Altinbas M, Baltali E, et al. Paclitaxel (T) vs cisplatin + VP‐16 (EP) in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines: A phase III randomized study, Turkish Oncology Group. Annals of Oncology. 2002; Vol. 13:Abstract 47.
    1. Icli F, Akbulut H, Uner A, Yalcin B, Altinbas M, Baltali E, et al. Paclitaxel (T) vs cisplatin + VP‐16 (EP) in advanced breast cancer patients pre‐treated with anthracyclines: A phase III randomized study, Turkish Oncology Group. Annals of Oncology; Proceedings of the 27th ESMO Congress; 2002; Nice. 2002; Vol. 13 Supplement 15:Abstract 167O.
    1. Icli F, Akbulut H, Uner A, Yalcin B, Baltali E, Altinbas M, et al. Cisplatin plus oral etoposide (EoP) combination is more effective than paclitaxel in patients with advanced breast cancer pretreated with anthracyclines: a randomised phase III trial of Turkish Oncology Group. British Journal of Cancer 2005;92:639‐44. - PMC - PubMed
TRAVIOTA {published data only}
    1. Burstein HJ, Keshaviah A, Baron A, Hart R, Lambert‐Falls R, Marcom PK, et al. Trastuzumab and vinorelbine or taxane chemotherapy for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer: the TRAVIOTA study. Americal Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting Proceedings; 2006; Chicago. 2006; Vol. 24, No 18S:Abstract 650.
    1. Burstein HJ, Keshaviah A, Baron AD, Hart RD, Lambert‐Falls R, Marcom PK, et al. Trastuzumab plus vinorelbine or taxane chemotherapy for HER2‐overexpressing metastatic breast cancer: the trastuzumab and vinorelbine or taxane study. Cancer 2007;110(5):965‐72. - PubMed
TXT {published data only}
    1. Bonneterre J, Roche H, Monnier A, Fargeot P, Namer M, Guastella JP, et al. Docetaxel (D) versus 5 fluorouracil‐vinorelbine (FUN) in patients (PTS) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) as second line chemotherapy: a phase III study. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 1998; San Antonio. 1998; Vol. 50:Abstract 223.
    1. Bonneterre J, Roche H, Monnier A, Guastalla JP, Namer M, Fargeot P, et al. Docetaxel vs 5‐fluorouracil plus vinorelbine in metastatic breast cancer after anthracycline therapy failure. British Journal of Cancer 2002;87(11):1210‐5. [MEDLINE: ] - PMC - PubMed
    1. Monnier A, Bonneterre J, Roche H, Fargeot P, Namer M, Guastalla JP. Phase III study: Taxotere (TXT) versus 5‐fluorouracil + navelbine (FUN) in patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) as 2nd line chemotherapy (CT) (preliminary results). Annals of Oncology. Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology; 1998; Athens. 1998; Vol. 9:Abstract 580.
UKCCCR AB01 {published data only}
    1. Carmichael J. UKCCCR trial of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) vs epirubicin and taxol (ET) in the first line treatment of women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2001. 2001; Vol. 20:Abstract 84.
    1. Carmichael J, Jones A. A randomised trial of epirubicin & cyclophosphamide vs epirubicin & paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer. http://www.cancer.gov/about‐cancer/treatment/clinical‐trials/search/view... (accessed 1997).
    1. Langley RE, Carmichael J, Jones AL, Cameron DA, Qian W, Uscinska B, et al. Phase III trial of epirubicin plus paclitaxel compared with epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide as first‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute trial AB01. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2005;23(33):8322‐30. - PubMed
Yardley {published data only}
    1. Yardley DA, Burris HA, Spigel DR, Clark BL, Vazquez E, Shipley D, et al. A phase II randomized crossover study of liposomal doxorubicin versus weekly docetaxel in the first‐line treatment of women with metastatic breast cancer. Clinical Breast Cancer 2009;9(4):247‐52. - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Brufsky 2012 {published data only}
    1. Brufsky A, Valero V, Tiangco B, Dakhil S, Brize A, Rugo HS, et al. Second‐line bevacizumab‐containing therapy in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer: subgroup analysis of the RIBBON‐2 trial. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 2012;133:1067‐75. - PubMed
Gebbia 2003 {published data only}
    1. Gebbia V, Blasi L, Borsellino N, Caruso M, Leonardi V, Agostara B, et al. Paclitaxel and epidoxorubicin or doxorubicin versus cyclophosphamide and epidoxorubicin as first‐line chemotherapy for metastatic breast carcinoma: a randomised phase II study. Anticancer Research 2003;23(1B):765‐71. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Gennari 2001 {published data only}
    1. Gennari A, Amadori D, Lena M, Nanni O, Bruzzi P, Lorusso V, et al. Lack of benefit of maintenance paclitaxel in first‐line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2006;24(24):3912‐8. - PubMed
    1. Gennari A, Manzione L, Mastro L, Amadori D, Lena M, Moretti G, et al. Paclitaxel (P) maintenance treatment following first line chemotherapy with anthracyclines plus paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer (MBC): preliminary results from the Italian MANTA 1 study. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2001; Vol. 64:Abstract 325.
Ghosn 2011 {published data only}
    1. Ghosn M, Aftimos P, Farhat FS, Kattan JG, Hanna C, Haddad N, et al. A phase II randomized study comparing navelbine and capecitabine (Navcap) followed either by Navcap or by weekly docetaxel in the first‐line treatment of HER‐2/neu negative metastatic breast cancer. Medical Oncology 2011;28:S142‐51. - PubMed
Hamberg 2011 {published data only}
    1. Hamberg P, Bos MMEM, Braun HJJ, Southard JML, Deijk GA, Erdkamp FLG, et al. Randomized phase II study comparing efficacy and safety of combination‐therapy trastuzumab and docetaxel vs. sequential therapy of trastuzumab followed by docetaxel alone at progression as first‐line chemotherapy in patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer: HERTAX trial. Clinical Breast Cancer 2011;11(2):103‐13. - PubMed
Huang 2011 {published data only}
    1. Huang HY, Jiang ZF, Wang T, Zhang SH, Bian L, Cao Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of regimens of capecitabine‐based chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Chinese Journal of Oncology [Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi] 2011;33(11):850‐3. - PubMed
Sakurai 2007 {published data only}
    1. Sakurai K, Enomoto K, Kitajima A, Tani M, Amano S. Efficacy of trastuzumab alone therapy was compared to trastuzumab plus taxane therapy in patients of advanced and metastatic breast cancers [article in Japanese]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 2007;34(12):1911‐3. - PubMed
Schmid 2005 {published data only}
    1. Schmid P, Schippinger W, Nitsch T, Huebner G, Heilmann V, Schultze W, et al. Up‐front tandem high‐dose chemotherapy compared with standard chemotherapy with doxorubicin and paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer: results of a randomized trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2005;23(3):432‐40. - PubMed
Szanto 2001 {published data only}
    1. Szanto J, Pinter T, Szanto J. Effectiveness of doxorubicin + docetaxel (DD) or doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide (DC) combination in advanced breast cancer with distant metastases. Orvosi Hetilap 2001;142(14):723‐6. - PubMed

References to studies awaiting assessment

TIPP {published data only}
    1. Friedrich M, Wasemann C, Hollander M, Ertan K, Schmidt W. Randomized phase II study of docetaxel vs. epirubicin/cyclophosphamide to optimize first‐line therapy of metastatic breast cancer (MBC): preliminary results of the TIPP study. Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2002. 2002; Vol. 21:Abstract 2028.
    1. Wasemann C, Ertan AK, Schmidt W, Diedrich K, Friedrich M. Randomized phase II study of docetaxel vs epirubicin/cyclophoshamide to optimize first‐line therapy of metastatic breast cancer: end results of TIPP study. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer; 2005. 2005; Vol. 15, Supplement 2:Abstract 000408.
Xu {published data only}
    1. Xu B, Jiang Z, Kim SB, Yu S, Feng J, Malzyner A, et al. Biweekly gemcitabine‐paclitaxel, gemcitabine‐carboplatin, or gemcitabine‐cisplatin as first‐line treatment in metastatic breast cancer after anthracycline failure: a phase II randomized selection trial. Breast Cancer 2011;18(3):203‐12. - PubMed

References to ongoing studies

EUCTR2012‐003530‐16‐ES {unpublished data only}
    1. EUCTR2012‐003530‐16‐ES. Randomised phase II study evaluating, as first‐line chemotherapy, weekly oral vinorelbine as a single‐agent versus weekly paclitaxel as a single‐agent in estrogen receptor positive, HER2 negative patients with advanced breast cancer. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/trial.aspx?trialid=EUCTR2012‐003530‐16‐ES (accessed 22 July 2014).
EUCTR2012‐003743‐30‐SE {unpublished data only}
    1. EUCTR2012‐003743‐30‐SE. A prospective randomized Phase II study to identify predictive biomarkers and mechanisms of therapy resistance in patients with HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treated with the combination of bevacizumab and paclitaxel. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/trial.aspx?trialid=EUCTR2012‐003743‐30‐SE (accessed 22 July 2014).
ISRCTN97330959 {unpublished data only}
    1. ISRCTN97330959. Triple negative trial: a randomised phase III trial of carboplatin compared to docetaxel for patients with advanced oestrogen receptor‐progesterone receptor‐human epidermal growth factor receptor two‐breast cancer TNT. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial.aspx?TrialID=ISRCTN97330959 (accessed 23 July 2010).
JPRN‐C000000416 {unpublished data only}
    1. JPRN‐C000000416. Randomised study of taxane vs TS‐1 in metastatic or recurrent breast cancer patients. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial.aspx?TrialID=JPRN‐C000000416 (accessed 23 July 2010).
    1. Mukai H, Takashima T, Hozumi Y, Watanabe T, Murakami S, Masuda N, et al. Randomized study of taxane versus TS‐1 in women with metastatic or recurrent breast cancer (SELECT BC) [trial protocol]. Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2010;40(8):811‐4. - PubMed
NCT00321633 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT00321633. Carboplatin or docetaxel in treating women with metastatic genetic breast cancer. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial.aspx?TrialID=NCT00321633 (accessed 23 July 2010).
NCT00490646 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT00490646. A phase II combination of trastuzumab and ixabepilone versus trastuzumab and docetaxel in patients with advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial.aspx?TrialID=NCT00490646 (accessed 23 July 2010).
NCT00600340 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT00600340. 2‐arm trial of paclitaxel plus bevacizumab vs. capecitabine plus bevacizumab. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial.aspx?TrialID=NCT00600340 (accessed 23 July 2010).
NCT01126138 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT01126138. A randomised phase III study to investigate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel plus capecitabine vs vinorelbine plus capecitabine followed by capecitabine alone as first line therapy on locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer patients. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial.aspx?TrialID=NCT01126138 (accessed 23 July 2010).
NCT01303679 {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT01303679. Phase III randomised multicenter trial comparing continued maintenance therapy with the bevacizumab + taxane versus bevacizumab + substituting exemestane in patients with metastatic breast cancer or locally advanced with estrogen receptor positive and having at least a stable disease after 16 to 18 weeks of treatment with bevacizumab + taxane. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01303679 (accessed 23 July 2014).
NTR1349 {unpublished data only}
    1. NTR1349. A randomised phase II study of concomitant trastuzumab, bevacizumab with paclitaxel versus trastuzumab and bevacizumab followed by the combination of trastuzumab, bevacizumab and paclitaxel at progression as first‐line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer with HER2‐neu overexpression. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial.aspx?TrialID=NTR1349 (accessed 23 July 2010).
Pegram {unpublished data only}
    1. NCT00081796/EUDRACT‐2004‐000618‐38. Phase III randomized study of XRP9881 versus capecitabine in patients with locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic breast cancer that progressed after prior taxane‐ and anthracycline‐based therapy. National Cancer Institute ‐ Clinical Trials (PDQ) 2005.
SAKK {unpublished data only}
    1. Goldhirsch A. Phase III randomised study of trastuzumab (Herceptin) alone followed by paclitaxel plus trastuzumab versus upfront combination of trastuzumab and paclitaxel in women with HER2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. CancerNet (http://ctnetdb.nci.nih.gov) 2000.

Additional references

Belfiglio 2012
    1. Belfiglio M, Fanizza C, Tinari N, Ficorella C, Iacobelli S, Natoli C, et al. Meta‐analysis of phase III trials of docetaxel alone or in combination with chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 2012;138(2):221‐9. - PMC - PubMed
Beslija 2009
    1. Beslija S, Bonneterre J, Burstein HJ, Cocquyt V, Gnant M, Heinemann V, et al. Third consensus on medical treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Annals of Oncology 2009;20(11):1771‐85. - PubMed
BMS 1996
    1. Bristol‐Myers Squibb (BMS) Oncology. Breast Cancer: Taxane Clinical Perspectives. Princeton, New Jersey, USA: Bristol‐Myers Squibb, 1996.
Ferlay 2015
    1. Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Dikshit R, Eser S, Mathers C, Rebelo M, et al. Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. International Journal of Cancer 2015;136(5):E359‐86. - PubMed
Fossati 1998
    1. Fossati R, Confalonierir C, Torri V, Ghislandi E, Penna A, Pistotti V, et al. Cytotoxic and hormonal treatment for metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review of published randomized trials involving 31,510 women. Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998;16(10):3439‐60. - PubMed
Ghersi 2003
    1. Ghersi D, Wilcken N, Simes J, Donoghue E. Taxane containing regimens for metastatic breast cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003366] - DOI - PubMed
Hakamies‐Blomqvist 2000
    1. Hakamies‐Blomqvist L, Luoma M, Sjostrom J, Pluzanska A, Sjodin M, Mouridsen H, et al. Quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving either docetaxel or sequential methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil. A multicentre randomised phase III trial by the Scandinavian Breast Group. European Journal of Cancer 2000;36(11):1411‐7. - PubMed
Hayes 1995
    1. Hayes DF, Henderson IC, Shapiro CL. Treatment of metastatic breast cancer: present and future prospects. Seminars in Oncology 1995;22(2):5‐21. - PubMed
Higgins 2011
    1. Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 [updated March 2011]. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from www.cochrane‐handbook.org.
Hortobagyi 1996
    1. Hortobagyi GN, Piccart‐Gebhart MJ. Current management of advanced breast cancer. Seminars in Oncology 1996;23(Supplement 11):1‐5. - PubMed
Mauri 2010
    1. Mauri D, Kamposioras K, Tsali L, Bristianou M, Valachis A, Karathanasi I, et al. Overall survival benefit for weekly vs. three‐weekly taxanes regimens in advanced breast cancer: a meta‐analysis. Cancer Treatment Reviews 2010;36:69‐74. - PubMed
NCI 2003
    1. National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer (PDQ): treatment summary. http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/breast/healthprofessional/ (accessed 01 February 2003).
Parmar 1998
    1. Parmar MKB, Torri V, Stewart L. Extracting summary statistics to perform meta‐analyses of the published literature for survival endpoints. Statistics in Medicine 1998;17:2815‐34. - PubMed
Piccart‐Gebhart 2008
    1. Piccart‐Gebhart MJ, Burzykowski T, Buyse M, Sledge G, Carmichael J, Luck HJ, et al. Taxanes alone or in combination with anthracyclines as first‐line therapy of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2008;26(12):1980‐6. - PubMed
Qi 2013
    1. Qi WX, Shen Z, Lin F, Sun YJ, Min DL, Tang LN, et al. Paclitaxel‐based versus docetaxel‐based regimens in metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Current Medical Research & Opinion 2013;29(2):117‐25. - PubMed
RevMan [Computer program]
    1. The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration. Review Manager (RevMan). Version 5.3. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014.
Saad 2009
    1. Saad ED, Katz A. Progression‐free survival and time to progression as primary end points in advanced breast cancer: often used, sometimes loosely defined. Annals of Oncology 2009;20:460‐4. - PubMed
Stockler 2000
    1. Stockler M, Wilcken NR, Ghersi D, Simes RJ. Systematic reviews of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy in metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Treatment Reviews 2000;26(3):151‐68. - PubMed
Tierney 2007
    1. Tierney JF, Stewart LA, Ghersi D, Burdett S, Sydes MR. Practical methods for incorporating summary time‐to‐event data into meta‐analysis. Trials 2007;8:16. - PMC - PubMed
Vasey 2001
    1. Vasey P on behalf of the Scottish Gynaecologic Cancer Trials Group. Preliminary results of the SCOTROC trial: A phase III comparison of paclitaxel‐carboplatin and docetaxel‐carboplatin as first‐line chemotherapy for stage IC‐IV epithelial ovarian cancer. Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2001; Chicago. 2001; Vol. 20:Abstract 804.
Yusuf 1985
    1. Yusuf S, Peto R, Lewis J, Colins R, Sleight P. Beta blockade during and after myocardial infarction. An overview of randomized trials. Progress in Cardiovascular Disease 1985;27(5):335‐71. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms