Uses of Docetaxel

Docetaxel is used in the treatment of breast cancer, special forms of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer), prostate cancer, gastric (stomach) cancer and/or head and neck cancer in affected individuals.     

Therapeutic Category

Docetaxel: Anti-cancer agents (Taxoids)  

How Docetaxel works

Docetaxel works by interfering with the microtubule structures in the cell (substance which aids cancer cells to divide and multiply) thus inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing its spread in affected individuals.  

Common side effects of Docetaxel

• hair loss
• headache, loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea
• sores in the mouth, dry mouth, difficulty/painful swallowing
• sleeplessness, tiredness, dizziness, dehydration
• tingling/prickling sensation in joints/muscles, redness and swelling of palms of hands/soles of feet, change in the colour of your nails
• alteration in sense of taste
• inflammation of throat and nose, bleeding from nose, inflammation of eye/increased tearing of the eyes, breath muscle aches and pains, back pain/bone pain
• nasal drainage, swelling due to lymphatic drainage
• shortness of breath, low blood pressure
• change/absence of menstrual period
• flu-like symptoms
• weight gain/loss
• oral candidiasis
• hearing impaired, inflammation of oesophagus
• irregular/rapid heartbeat

When to consult your doctor

• If you experience signs of severe allergic reaction such as flushing, skin reactions, itching, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, fever/chills, back pain, low blood pressure 
• If you experience fever
• If you experience signs of serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as abdominal pain/tenderness, diarrhoea, rectal haemorrhage, blood in stool and/or fever
• If you experience vision problems especially blurred vision
• If you experience signs of acute or worsening lung problems such as fever, shortness of breath and/or cough
• If you experience skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (associated with signs such as blistering, peeling/bleeding on any part of skin with/without a rash) and Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (associated with signs such as red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the swollen skin accompanied with fever)
• If you experience signs of ventricular arrhythmia/ tachycardia (condition marked by irregular heart rhythms) such as irregular/rapid heartbeat, severe shortness of breath, dizziness and/or fainting
• If you experience signs of tumour lysis syndrome (serious condition marked by massive death of cancer cells) such as seizures, kidney failure and/or heart rhythm disturbance

Health Tips for Docetaxel

• Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support your overall health and provide essential nutrients to your body. If you experience nausea or loss of appetite as a side effect of docetaxel, talk with a registered dietitian to find ways to manage these issues and ensure proper nutrition
• Stay well-hydrated throughout the treatment. Chemotherapy can cause dehydration, so drinking plenty of water is important. Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions on the amount of water you should drink each day
• Chemotherapy can cause fatigue and weakness. Allow your body to take rest for enough time for recovery during treatment
• Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Practice good hygiene, avoid contact with sick individuals, and follow your doctor's advice on infection prevention
• If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking can interfere with the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Additionally, limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as it may exacerbate certain side effects and impact your liver function
• Follow your doctor's prescribed treatment plan and receive docetaxel as scheduled. Adherence to the recommended dosage and treatment schedule is crucial for the medication's effectiveness in treating your specific cancer