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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 10/05/2006
  • Updated: 12/27/2011

Docetaxel

listen 1  (DOH-seh-TAK-sil)

This page contains brief information about docetaxel and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Taxotere
FDA Approved: Yes

FDA Approval for Docetaxel 2

Use in Cancer

Docetaxel is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:

Docetaxel is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Docetaxel

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 3 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Docetaxel 4 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Two Drugs That Hit One Target Show Efficacy Against Metastastic Breast Cancer 5 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Taxane Combinations Marginally Better than Anthracyclines for Metastatic Breast Cancer 6 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Paclitaxel Versus Docetaxel for Early Breast Cancer 7 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Two Types of Breast Cancer Treatments Show Similar Benefit 8 - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Docetaxel 9 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

advanced cancer (ad-VANST KAN-ser)
Cancer that has spread to other places in the body and usually cannot be cured or controlled with treatment.
breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
gastric cancer (GAS-trik KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues lining the stomach. Also called stomach cancer.
hormone-refractory (HOR-mone-reh-FRAK-tor-ee)
In medicine, describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment with hormones. Also called hormone-resistant.
locally advanced cancer (LOH-kuh-lee ad-VANST KAN-ser)
Cancer that has spread from where it started to nearby tissue or lymph nodes.
metastasize (meh-TAS-tuh-size)
To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
node-positive (... PAH-zih-tiv)
Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.
non-small cell lung cancer (... sel lung KAN-ser)
A group of lung cancers that are named for the kinds of cells found in the cancer and how the cells look under a microscope. The three main types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer.
prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.
response (reh-SPONTS)
In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.
squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh …)
Cancer of the head and neck that begins in squamous cells (thin, flat cells that form the surface of the skin, eyes, various internal organs, and the lining of hollow organs and ducts of some glands). Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck includes cancers of the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, and larynx (voice box). Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/705395.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fda-docetaxel
3http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=41657
4http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a696031.html
5http://cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2011/CLEOPATRA1211
6http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/taxanes-anthracyclines0508
7http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/weekly-paclitaxel0408
8http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/SanAntonioBreast2005
9http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=41657&idtype=1
10http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
11http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
12http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
13http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access