Docetaxel
A healthcare provider may prescribe docetaxel for the treatment of different types of cancer, including lung, breast, and prostate cancer. The medication can stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with certain structures in the cell. Docetaxel, which is available by prescription and is administered intravenously, can be given at a hospital, "infusion center," or healthcare provider's office. Side effects of docetaxel may include hair loss, neutropenia, leukopenia, and anemia.
Docetaxel is currently made by sanofi-aventis.
Docetaxel is part of a group of medications called taxanes. Taxanes stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with certain structures in the cell.
While docetaxel can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells and are therefore more affected by docetaxel.