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This page contains brief information about paclitaxel 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):		Taxol
FDA Approved:		Yes

Paclitaxel is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ovarian and breast cancer, and AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma. It is also approved to be used together with a drug called cisplatin to treat advanced ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - 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) - 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) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Ifosfamide Plus Paclitaxel Extends Life for Patients With Uterine Carcinosarcoma (03/05/2007) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Impact of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy on Quality of Life During Ovarian Cancer Treatment (02/14/2007) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Maintenance Paclitaxel Does Not Delay Progression of Metastatic Breast Cancer (10/04/2006) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: New Form of Paclitaxel Causes Fewer Side Effects in Advanced Breast Cancer (10/17/2005) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Weekly Paclitaxel Before Any Other Treatment Improves Outcomes in Early-Stage Breast Cancer (09/12/2005) - 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) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Dose-Dense Chemotherapy Helped Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer (06/05/2004) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

NCI Issues Clinical Announcement for Preferred Method of Treatment for Ovarian Cancer: Questions and Answers (01/04/2006) - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Paclitaxel - 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 Paclitaxel - Check for trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry now accepting patients.

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