Abraxane^®

Abraxane^® is a chemotherapy drug indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, in particular patients for whom previous forms of chemotherapy treatment have proven unsuccessful.

Abraxane^® is a solvent-free chemotherapy drug that may help reduce side effects normally associated with other solvent-based treatments, as well as to allow for higher drug dosages.

Abraxane^® is administered via infusion. Treatments normally last around 30 minutes.

Because each person is unique, as is their history with breast cancer, Abraxane^® may or may not be an ideal treatment option. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer care team can discuss implementing Abraxane^® as part of your cancer treatment regimen.

To learn more about this unique approach to cancer treatment, you can chat now with an oncology specialist from CTCA.

Unlike Abraxane^® other solvent-based forms of chemotherapy require patients to take toxic chemical solvents in order to distribute chemotherapeutic drugs (such as paclitaxel) throughout body. These solvents often cause hypersensitivity reactions.

Abraxane^® may help reduce some of these side effects because instead of using chemical solvents, it uses albumin (a human protein) to carry nutrients throughout the body.

Every drug carries the potential for side effects for some patients. Abraxane^® can present varying levels of side effects, which will be highlighted below. Before you receive Abraxane^® however, you should have a discussion regarding allergies with your doctor. In the event that you have allergic reaction to Abraxane^® you should seek emergency medical attention. Some signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Development of hives or a rash
• Closing of the throat
• Problems breathing
• Swelling of face, lip, and/or tongue

Serious side effects require immediate medical attention and may include:

• Blood-related problems, characterized by:
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Stools that appear bloody, black, or tarry
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Chills/fever
  • Signs of an infection
• Damage to the liver, characterized by:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Yellowing of skin/eyes (Jaundice)
• A sensation of tingling or numbness
• Significant nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• Irregular heartbeats

There are other, less serious side effects that can occur more commonly in those using Abraxane^®. These side effects often pass once treatment is complete, or as the body adjusts to having Abraxane^® in its system. Some of its less-serious side effects can include:

• Reactions of the tissue or vein at injection site
• Decreasing red blood cell count
• Pain in joints or muscles
• Development of mouth sores
• Loss of hair
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/loss of appetite (mild-moderate)

The effects listed above should not be considered a complete list of all possible side effects. Because each individual is unique, those using Abraxane^® may incur more than one side effect, or side effects not listed here. If you suspect a change in your body is a side effect to using Abraxane^® you should contact your doctor for further guidance.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your cancer care team will discuss the potential for side effects in your case, and may suggest different and/or additional breast cancer treatment options.

Metastatic breast cancer is another term for stage IV breast cancer, meaning that cancer that originated in the breast tissue has spread to other locations in the body.

Abraxane^® is indicated for metastatic breast cancer patients who have already received a failed combination chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer, or whose cancer has relapsed within six months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior chemotherapy treatments also should have included an anthracycline, unless clinically contraindicated.

At CTCA, your team of oncology specialists can discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of using Abraxane ^® based on your unique medical history, as well as the current state of your health. To learn more about the CTCA approach to breast cancer treatment, call us today at 800-234-0509.