OBJECTIVES: Abraxane^® and Taxol^® are both effective agents for the treatment of advanced stage breast cancer. However, each agent possesses unique drug delivery characteristics with the former not requiring premedication and having a considerably shorter recommended infusion time (i.e. 30 min vs. 2 - 4 hours).  To measure the overall efficiency and cost saving potential associated with Abraxane^® relative to Taxol^®, a time and motion study was undertaken in breast cancer patients treated in China. METHODS: Baseline data collection included patient and disease characteristics.  Time and resource use data were then collected from breast patients being treated with Abraxane^® (n=12) or Taxol^®(n=15) in one of three cancer clinics located in Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing.  Resource use and time impact on clinical staff were quantified using unit cost estimates.  This included costs for drug preparation, administration, materials and supplies, premedication, patient chair time, labor costs and all acute adverse drug reactions. All costs were reported in $U.S. (1$U.S. = 6.1 RMB). RESULTS: Approximately 9 of 12 (75%) patients received Abraxane^® as on a weekly schedule compared to 6 of 15 (40%) with Taxol^®