Breast cancer - taxanes (review)

Summary

Docetaxel (Taxotere) and paclitaxel (Taxol) are recommended as an option for the treatment of advanced breast cancer where the initial chemotherapy (including an anthracycline) has failed or is inappropriate.

The use of docetaxel in combination with an anthracycline (another anticancer treatmnent) as initial treatment of advanced breast cancer is not currently recommended. As paclitaxel is not licensed for first-line use with anthracycline its use has not been considered in this indication.

The taxanes are not currently licensed in the UK for combination with other anticancer drugs for treatment of early breast cancer. The Institute recommends that the use of the taxanes for these indications should be limited to a clinical trials setting.

This guidance replaces TA6 Breast cancer - taxanes.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA30 Breast cancer - taxanes (review): Guidance

For patients, carers and the public

• TA30 Breast cancer - taxanes (review): Information for the public (pdf)
• TA30 Breast cancer - taxanes (review): Information for the public

Background information

• Review decision - Breast cancer - taxanes (review) (No. 30)
• 2001/31 NICE issues guidance on chemotherapy agents for breast cancer and leukaemia
• An update of a rapid and systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the taxanes used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• None found