Nab-paclitaxel and lung cancer: what to know

Nab-paclitaxel is a formulation of paclitaxel bound to albumin. It interferes with the internal structures cancer cells use when they divide. It is given by infusion, and the schedule and combination medicines depend on the cancer type, stage, previous treatment and your general health.

Possible effects include tiredness, nausea, reduced blood-cell counts, hair loss, changes in taste and nerve symptoms such as tingling or numbness. These effects vary. Tell the team about symptoms early so they can assess, prevent or treat them.

Before each treatment, tell your team about fever, infections, allergies, new medicines, liver problems, diabetes or numbness in your hands and feet. Ask how blood tests will be used to decide whether treatment can proceed and which symptoms require a same-day call.

Keep a record of temperature, medicines and side effects. Ask whether your tumour needs genomic testing and how nab-paclitaxel fits with other options such as [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) or [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/).

Contact your oncology team urgently for fever, chills, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, uncontrolled vomiting, unusual bleeding, severe diarrhoea, confusion, or rapidly worsening weakness. Report new or worsening numbness, burning or difficulty walking because nerve effects may need treatment changes.

Why is nab-paclitaxel being recommended? Which medicines will be given with it? What blood tests are needed? Which side effects should prompt an urgent call? How will response and nerve symptoms be monitored?