key papersKey paper
ANGIOTAX: phase 2 trial of weekly paclitaxel for unresectable angiosarcoma
Weekly paclitaxel controlled angiosarcoma in three quarters of patients at two months and produced responses in about one in five, establishing it as a standard first-line chemotherapy for this vascular sarcoma, especially of the scalp and face.
Overview
Phase 2 study of 30 patients with unresectable angiosarcoma treated with weekly paclitaxel 80 mg per square metre.
Non-progression at two months was 74 percent, objective response 19 percent, median progression-free survival 4 months and median overall survival 8 months; responses were more frequent in scalp and face angiosarcomas.
Observational studyChanged practice30 participants
Authors
Penel N, Bui BN, Bay JO, et al.
Published
Findings
- Non-progression rate at two months 74 percent; objective response 19 percent.
- Median overall survival 8 months.
What it means
Weekly paclitaxel is a standard first-line option for angiosarcoma alongside doxorubicin, and it is also used with radiotherapy for unresectable scalp disease.
Caveats
- Small single-arm study; survival remains poor.
- The randomised ANNOUNCE and other trials have since compared taxanes with anthracyclines.