Role of paclitaxel in the treatment of breast cancer: the American Cooperative Group Experience.

Phase I and II trials to evaluate paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) as a single agent and combined with other drugs have generated considerable enthusiasm for this interesting new agent. Despite these trials, or because of them, many important questions remain regarding the use of paclitaxel. Ongoing Cooperative Oncology Group trials investigating the use of paclitaxel in breast cancer include CLB 9342, examining the question of paclitaxel dose intensity; the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project trial B-26, investigating the question of duration of infusion; E1193, testing the relative activity and synergy of paclitaxel and doxorubicin in a metastatic setting; and CLB 9344, focusing on the adjuvant use of paclitaxel. The cooperative groups are currently investigating novel paclitaxel-based combination therapy in phase II trials.