What is docetaxel?

Docetaxel is an anti-mitchic chemotherapeutic treatment used in the treatment of several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and lung cancer. This medicine is not the treatment of first -line cancer, but it is recommended for people who have not responded well to some other types of chemotherapy. Docetaxel is available under the trade name Taxotere & ref;

This drug works by interfereing with the cell division process called mitosis. It makes a high affinity bond to cellular structures called microtubules. These are the necessary parts of mitosis and the binding action prevents microtubules from playing their normal role in organizing cell division. In addition, microtubules accumulate in the cell and start a sequence of events that lead to apoptosis or cellular death. Anthracycins include drugs is daunorubicin and doxorubicin that kill cancer cells by another mechanism. If these drugs are unable to treat cancer, such as breast, ovarian and lung drugs, docetaxel can be used as an alternative.

Treatment of this chemotherapeutic agent can cause a number of common and unusual side effects. The most common side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, hair loss, increased vulnerability to infection, fatigue, pain and leg pain, joint or muscle pain, and low red blood cells. Many of these side effects evolve because the drug is particularly strong in fast -paced cells. Cancer cells are rapidly divided, as well as many own types of body cells, including hair follicles, immune cells, certain cells of gastrointestinal tract and some types of skin cells.

docetaxel can also cause a nail condition called exudative hyponychial dermatitis, which causes cracked nails and pain in nail beds. The effects of this condition can prevent or reduce severity if the hands and legs are kept cold when using ice packages orSimilar equipment during chemotherapeutic sessions. In addition, this treatment can cause temporary peripheral neuropathy. This condition is the result of less nerve damage and causes tingling and numbness in the legs or hands. For most people, this situation will improve after chemotherapy.

There is also a rare but potentially serious risk of developing blood clots. Symptoms such as breath and chest pain or swollen, reddish and painful leg may indicate the development of a blood clot. Any such symptoms should be reported to a doctor or another healthcare worker as soon as possible to be treated.