Ixabepilone approval in a number of countries across the world as monotherapy and in combination with capecitabine has led to widespread uptake in the later-line breast cancer setting. However, individualized data for ixabepilone in different ethnic groups are limited. Overall, data from small numbers of ethnic subgroups including Hispanic, Japanese and Chinese patients have revealed no clinically significant variation in the disposition, efficacy or tolerability of ixabepilone from that established in pivotal trials. Global use of ixabepilone, while usually along the lines of standard practice, may vary because of local regulatory decisions, clinical practice guidelines and cost considerations. Further information on the global patterns of use of ixabepilone will assist in optimizing the use of this novel therapy. © 2011 Expert Reviews Ltd.