This page contains brief information about docetaxel and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.
FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
Use in Cancer
Docetaxel is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:
- Adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction that is advanced. It is used in patients who have not been treated with chemotherapy for advanced disease.
- Breast cancer that is locally advanced or has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body) and has not gotten better with other chemotherapy. It is also used to treat breast cancer that is node-positive and can be removed by surgery.
- Non-small cell lung cancer in certain patients whose cancer is locally advanced or has metastasized.
- Prostate cancer that has metastasized in men whose cancer is hormone-refractory (does not respond to hormone treatment).
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck that is locally advanced and cannot be treated with surgery.
Docetaxel is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
More About Docetaxel
Definition from the TCH Drug Dictionary – Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
MedlinePlus Information on Docetaxel – 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 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.
