Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, commented on this study to The ASCO Post: With taxanes after doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC), it’s “dealer’s choice.” However, she noted that most oncologists do not give every-3-week paclitaxel now. “Many have shifted to every-2-week AC followed by paclitaxel (ie, the dose-dense schedule) given the benefits of dose density, particularly in patients with hormone receptor–negative disease, unless they are giving it with trastuzumab [Herceptin], in which many give it weekly the way it was done in the large adjuvant trials.”

With weekly dosing, one can forego routine growth factors, she pointed out but acknowledged that growth factors are often dropped after the first cycle of treatment. “I personally think that docetaxel given every 3 weeks is a much bigger hit in terms of side effects,” she added.

She said although E1199 and its ilk may feel like “Coke vs Pepsi” chemotherapy comparisons, they remain necessary and important. “We are always learning how to get at the cell cycle better,” she said.  ■

Disclosure: Dr. Partridge reported no potential conflicts of interest.