Taxol

What is it?

A chemotherapeutic drug and taxane, available as a solution in vials containing 6mg of paclitaxel per ml. Used for. with cisplatin, for treatment of advanced and residual cancer of the ovaries, secondary treatment of ovarian cancer with metastases (i. e. which has spread) resistant to treatment with platinum. Treatment of metastatic breast cancer where previous treatment with anthracycline has failed or cannot be used, with cisplatin in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer when radiotherapy and surgery cannot be used.

Dosage

Primary ovarian cancer, 135mg per square metre of body area by intravenous infusion lasting 24 hours, followed by 75mg of cisplatin per square metre of body area. Treatment to be repeated at 3 week intervals if well-tolerated by patient. Secondary ovarian cancer and breast cancer, 175mg per square metre by intravenous infusion over 3 hours, repeated at 3 week intervals if well-tolerated by patient. Non-small cell lung cancer, 175mg per square metre by intravenous infusion over 3 hours, followed by 80mg of cisplatin per square metre. Then repeat at 3 week intervals if well-tolerated by patient.

Special Care

Abnormalities in heart conduction, disease of peripheral nerves, impaired liver function. Blood counts should be carried out pre-treatment with antihistamines, Hz-antagonists and corticosteroids required but manufacture's literature should be consulted. Taxol should always be given before cisplatin.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, if neutrophils are low, very poor liver function.

Known Side Effects

Peripheral nerve disease (reduce dose of taxol if severe), suppression of bone marrow, joint and muscle pain, high readings in liver function tests, hair loss, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal upset, slow heartbeat, retention of fluid, reactions at needle site. In rare cases, cardiovascular conduction disturbances, severe allergic reactions (resuscitation equipment should be available).