Nab-paclitaxel Monotherapy for Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer: Retrospective Analysis and Review

Background/Aim: The utility of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) monotherapy in patients with relapsed small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has not been fully evaluated. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of nab-PTX monotherapy in relapsed SCLC patients, including heavily treated patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from 17 patients with relapsed SCLC who were treated with weekly nab-PTX monotherapy at our hospital. We also reviewed past studies on nab-PTX monotherapy for relapsed SCLC. Results: The response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 29.4%, 48 days (95%CI=33-89), and 134 days (95%CI=64-223), respectively. The most common adverse event of grade >= 3 was leukopenia (17.6%), followed by neutropenia, neuropathy, fatigue, and infections. Our results were consistent with previous studies. Conclusion: The efficacy of nab-PTX monotherapy for heavily treated relapsed SCLC patients might be moderate. Further studies to improve outcomes are warranted.