Related pages Drug Information Summaries 1 Approval Process for New Cancer Treatments 2 Access to Investigational Drugs: Q & A 3

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

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

Docetaxel is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used alone or with other drugs to treat certain types of breast and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is also approved to be used with other drugs to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and certain types of gastric and prostate cancer.

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

FDA Approval for Docetaxel ⁴ - Information from the FDA about the approval of this drug and the clinical trials that led to the approval.

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary ⁵ - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

Clinical Trial Results: Taxane Combinations Marginally Better than Anthracyclines for Metastatic Breast Cancer (05/21/2008) 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 (04/30/2008) ⁷ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Trastuzumab Regimen Lessens Cardiac Side Effects (03/01/2006) ⁸ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Frozen Glove Reduces Skin and Nail Damage from Docetaxel (08/01/2005) ⁹ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Docetaxel Combination for Node-Positive Breast Cancer (06/28/2005) ¹⁰ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Adding Docetaxel Improves Survival in Stomach Cancer (05/15/2005) ¹¹ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Docetaxel Plus Carboplatin a Possible Alternative for Ovarian Cancer (11/23/2004) ¹² - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: First Evidence That Chemotherapy Extends Life in Advanced Prostate Cancer (06/07/2004) ¹³ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Pemetrexed Is a Less Toxic Alternative for Recurrent Lung Cancer (06/12/2003) ¹⁴ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Two Types of Breast Cancer Treatments Show Similar Benefit (12/08/2005) ¹⁵ - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Docetaxel ¹⁶ - 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 NLM 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.

Clinical Trials for Docetaxel ¹⁷ - Check for trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry now accepting patients.

Glossary Terms

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.

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 cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is 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.

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.

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

Cancer that forms in tissues lining the stomach. Also called stomach cancer.

Cancer that arises in the head or neck region (in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx [voice box]).

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.

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.

Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma.