The efficacy and safety of ixabepilone monotherapy in the treatment of breast and gynecologic malignancies

Ixabepilone is a semisynthetic analogue of epothilone B, a novel microtubule-stabilizing agent. Preclinical data suggest that its mechanisms of actions are different from those of the most commonly used microtubule- stabilizing agent, paclitaxel. This information in addition to the cytotoxicity of this drug in taxane-resistant cell lines in multiple solid tumors supports the fact that ixabepilone may be active in taxane-resistant tumors. Breast and gynecologic malignancies are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women. Clinical studies demonstrate significant activity of ixabepilone monotherapy in these heavily pretreated patients. The toxicity profile of ixabepilone seems to be similar to that of taxanes and manageable by supportive methods.