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Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Taxol is one of the newer chemotherapy drugs, and has been around, and in use for some years. It is an extract from the bark and needles of the yew tree, Taxus brevifolia. Taxol is a white powder and when prepared for use becomes a clear, colorless liquid which is given by intravenous route only. It is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Ovarian
• Testis
• Metastatic breast cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Lung cancer
• Melanoma

Taxol is most commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs such as: 5-FU, Adriamycin, Vinorelbine, Cytoxan and  Cisplatinum.

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Taxol is normally given once every three weeks.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Taxol. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Low white blood counts
• Low platelet count
• Anemia
• Hair loss
• Soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing
• Diarrhea
• Nerve damage
• Allergic reaction
• Fluid Retention

The occurrence of allergic reactions, skin reaction and   fluid retention can be reduced by pretreatment of patients with steroids. It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologists. Taxol is metabolized in the liver and excreted into bile.  Dose of Taxol should be reduced in patients with liver dysfunction or massive liver metastasis.