Efficacy and Safety Assessment of Paclitaxel in Patients with Docetaxel-Resistant Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Incomplete cross-resistances between paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel (DTX) has been demonstrated in several types of cancer. The objective of the present study was to assess the existence of cross-resistance between PTX and DTX in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Patients in the PTX group received PTX without DTX pretreatment, patients in the prior DTX (Pr-DTX) group received PTX after the development of resistance to DTX, and patients in the DTX group received DTX without subsequent PTX treatment. Results: A total of 73 patients were enrolled. The response rates to PTX in the PTX and Pr-DTX groups were 22.7 and 20.0%, respectively. The median progression-free survival times from the first day of PTX treatment in the PTX and Pr-DTX groups were 113 (95% CI 56-154) and 97 days (95% CI 36-189), respectively. The median overall survival times from the first day of DTX treatment in the Pr-DTX and DTX groups were 315 (95% CI 124-453) and 148 days (95% CI 139-177), respectively. Conclusions: There is no or incomplete clinical cross-resistance between PTX and DTX in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Replacement of DTX with PTX is a suitable treatment option for patients with DTX-resistant esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.