About Taxol

Taxol was approved in 1992 for the treatment of advanced breast and ovarian cancer. Researchers continue to refine the use of Taxol in combination with other treatments for breast cancer.

In 2000 Beaumont oncologists enrolled more than 20 patients in a national study designed to compare two kinds of chemotherapy that included Taxol. Results of the study changed the standard of care to include treatment of certain tumors with a new combination of drugs including Taxol.

Medical oncologists at Beaumont constantly monitor new drugs and protocols to find the best individual treatment plan for each patient. Beaumont maintains a special National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation as a Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), where results from leading-edge clinical studies are integrated into the standard of care. In 2005, the National Cancer Institute awarded Beaumont a five-year grant for continued CCOP research.

To learn more about breast cancer and Beaumont Hospitals’ cancer diagnosis and treatment capabilities, visit the Specialties, Clinical Trials, Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment sections of our site.

What is Taxol™?

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 taxanes?

Taxanes are a group of medications used to treat breast cancer. Taxol is a taxane. Other taxanes include docetaxel (Taxotere®) and paclitaxel (Abraxane™).

Taxotere has been approved for treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Abraxane is approved for use in advanced or recurrent breast cancer. Abraxane is a new formulation of paclitaxel that can be given over thirty minutes as opposed to three hours for Taxol and there is less likelihood of an adverse reaction to the drug.

What are possible side effects of Taxol?

Women considering taking Taxol should consult their physician. Everyone experiences side effects differently. Side effects of Taxol (and taxanes) 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 Society, 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 Taxol as well as the development of a new semi-synthetic paclitaxel.

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