Taxol is a brand name for an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug called Paclitaxel. It is classified as a plant alkaloid, taxane and anti microtubule agent. Taxol chemotherapy is used in the treatment of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, esophageal cancer and some other solid tumor cancers. It is also used in treating Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Taxol is a clear, colorless fluid that is given as a chemotherapy infusion intravenously. It is thick and sticky and hence it requires a pump to administer the drug properly.

Taxol is a part of the drug class taxanes, which includes docetaxel, which are made from Yew trees (Taxus brevifolia).

Taxol is called a mitotic inhibitor i.e. it inhibits mitosis or the process of cell division. It targets the fast growing cancer cells, sticks onto them when the cell division occurs and does not let them complete the cell division process. Since, they cannot divide they do not metastasize.

Doses of Taxol are infused into the vein. It can also be pumped from a dose bag into a vein. Taxol is not given as single dose drug, but is mixed with Cremophor EL, which is a polyoxyethylated castor oil. It is given in high doses once every two- three weeks or in low doses every week. Rarely, it is given as a slow infusion for 24 hours. The patient would usually be given medications to prevent allergic reactions and nausea before the treatment.

Taxol is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs like 5-FU, Adriamycin, Vinorelbine, Cytoxan and Cisplatin. Taxol is used alone or in combination with cisplatin for advanced ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer and with doxorubicin for node-positive breast cancer.

Side Effects of Taxol Chemotherapy

The Taxol chemotherapy side effects include the following:

• Low blood counts- The number of white cells, red cells or platelets could be lowered temporarily. This can cause decreased immunity, anemia or bruising respectively.
• Hair loss
• Pain in the joints and muscles
• Peripheral neuropathy i.e. numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Hypersensitivity reaction like fever, flushing, chills, breathlessness, skin rash, etc. This normally occurs within 10 minutes after the drug is administered.
• Swelling on the feet or ankles
• Liver damage or malfunction- in this case, the treatment could be discontinued.
• Low blood pressure during the first 3 hours after the drug is administered
• Nail discoloration and breakage

Precautions before Taxol Chemotherapy

• Before starting Taxol treatment, inform your doctor about any other medications or treatments you are taking including the prescription medication, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplementary medicines, herbal remedies, etc.
• Do not take aspirin or products with aspirin without consulting your doctor.
• Do not get yourself immunized or vaccinated with any live vaccines without consulting your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before starting this treatment. Taxol could damage the fetus.
• Do not conceive a child while taking Taxol. Use contraception if required.
• Do not breast-feed your baby while on taxol treatment.

Taxol chemotherapy treatment is fairly effective and rarely has side effects especially when given in lower doses. The side effects that occur are generally mild and can be controlled by medication. The amount and frequency of the dosage depends on the doctor’s decision and overall health of the patient. Clinical trials and research on currently available chemotherapy drugs is under process to develop advanced versions and reduce the side effects of these drugs.