Docetaxel (brand name: Taxotere) is a chemotherapeutic agent of the taxane family. It is derived from the European yew tree Taxus baccata. It is administered in the form of an injection that typically takes about an hour to complete. Docetaxel works by inhibiting cell division; it binds to tubulin and prevents the disassembly of microtubules in the cell, which stops the cell cycle and induces cell death (apoptosis). Docetaxel also has some anti-angiogenic qualities, which means it helps prevent a tumor from developing its own vascular network1.
What it's effective for and why
Docetaxel is FDA-approved2 as a single agent or, more commonly, in combination chemotherapy for the treatment of various kinds of cancers, including those of the breast, lung, prostate, and stomach, as well as inoperable, locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. It first received FDA approval in 2004 in combination with the steroid prednisone for the treatment of metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Docetaxel side effects: Overview
Documented side effects of docetaxel3 include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, taste changes, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, hair loss, oral sores, and irritation at the injection site. Other side effects considered to be more serious include skin blisters, peripheral neuropathy, weakness in the extremities, bruising, and nosebleeds.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Docetaxel
- NCI: FDA approval for docetaxel
- MedlinePlus: Docetaxel
