Ixabepilone for the treatment of solid tumors: a review of clinical data

Abstract

Background: Microtubule stabilizing agents such as taxanes are an integral part of therapy for multiple solid tumors. However, due to limitations of these agents, newer more effective cytotoxic agents are necessary. Ixabepilone, an epothilone B analog, is a novel microtubule stabilizing agent. Objective: This review provides an updated summary of emerging clinical experience with Ixabepilone. Methods: Phase I, II and III clinical trials presented in abstract form or journal articles found within a PubMed search through November 2007 are described in this review. Results/conclusion: Ixabepilone offers promising clinical activity in a variety of solid tumors. Ixabepilone is FDA-approved for the treatment of breast cancer refractory to anthracyclines and taxanes. The optimal dose and schedule are still being defined, and the predominant side effects are bone marrow suppression and neuropathy.

Keywords::

• breast cancer
• drug resistance
• epothilone
• microtubule stabilizer
• tubulin

Acknowledgement

This work was supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health.