Taxol, or paclitaxel, is a drug used for treating certain women who have advanced breast or ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is a compound that is extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew tree.

In December of 1992, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Taxol for treatment of ovarian cancer that had not responded to standard chemotherapy. Subsequent clinical trials demonstrated that Taxol was also effective in treating advanced breast cancer. In April of 1994, the FDA approved Taxol for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer that did not respond to combination chemotherapy, or breast cancer that had recurred within 6 months after the completion of initial chemotherapy.

Taxol has now been approved for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes when given following a doxorubicin chemotherapy regimen.

Taxol is given as an infusion drip into the vein.

What are possible side effects of Taxol?

Women considering taking Taxol should consult their physician. Everyone experiences side effects differently. Side effects of Taxol may include:

• hair loss
  
  
• numbness of the fingers and toes
  
  
• neutropenia - a decrease in white blood cells which may increase the risk of infections
  
  
• nausea and vomiting
  
  
• headaches
  
  
• mouth sores
  
  
• aching or pain in joints and muscles
  
  
• diarrhea
  
  
• skin rash

According to the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Association, the risks associated with Taxol are believed to be outweighed by the benefits for persons with advanced breast cancer.

Research continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the Taxol as well as the development of a new semi-synthetic paclitaxel.

Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.

Cancer Care at Rush

When it comes to treating cancer, experience matters. And Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, has it, with one of the Midwest’s largest and most comprehensive cancer treatment programs, combining leading-edge therapies with vital emotional support.

For more information, visit the Cancer Programs home page.

Looking for Other Health Information?

• Visit our Health Information home page.
   
  or
  
 

• Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.