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Docetaxel

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 (DOH-seh-TAK-sil)

Docetaxel is a type of chemotherapy called a taxane. Taxanes interfere with structures in a cell called microtubules that help move chromosomes during mitosis (cell division). Docetaxel stops the growth of cancer cells and other dividing cells by blocking cell division.

US Brand Name(s)
Taxotere
FDA Approved
Yes

FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.

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 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Docetaxel - 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 and Related Resources

For Common Form of Bladder Cancer, Chemo Combo Effective Alternative to BCG

Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Long-Term Nerve Damage Possible after Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

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

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