Taxotere is a treatment popularly used to treat cancer that is discovered or recurs after previous chemotherapy. It is part of a group of medicines called taxanes, which derive from the bark or pin needles of certain types of yew trees. Unlike most chemotherapies Taxotere does not stop cancer by interfering with its DNA or RNA. Instead Taxotere interferes with the cell's microtubules. Microtubules are cells' skeleton and help the movement of organelles and chromosomes during division. By attacking the microtubules Taxotere stops cancer cells from successfully dividing.

In worldwide phase II clinical trials, Taxotere demonstrated the highest tumor response rates ever reported for a single agent in this subject population. It is administered intravenously for a variety of cancers. It is mostly used after a cancer returns after platinum based chemotherapy.

Possible side effects to Taxotere include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, reduction of production of blood cells (1. lowers the patient's immunity and therefore increases the chances of infection and 2. reduces the number of platelets and decreases the blood's ability to clot), skin rash, fluid retention, hypersensitivity, hair loss, and diarrhea.

Before starting Taxotere treatment patients should discuss its effects on fertility and their ability to conceive after treatment. Also vaccinations should not be taken during treatment which causes patients to be immuno-compromised.

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