Docetaxel

DOCETAXEL

Manufacturer: Gland Pharma Limited

Score: 145.0

Quick Summary

Docetaxel is an antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and head and neck cancer. It works by disrupting the microtubular network in cells, leading to inhibition of mitosis and cell death. The recommended dose and schedule of docetaxel varies depending on the specific cancer type and patient population. Important safety information includes warnings about toxic deaths, hepatotoxicity, neutropenia, hypersensitivity reactions, and fluid retention. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to docetaxel or polysorbate 80, and neutrophil counts below 1500 cells/mm^3. Special population considerations include use in pregnancy, nursing mothers, pediatric patients, and geriatric patients.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Breast cancer: locally advanced or metastatic after failure of prior chemotherapy
Non-small cell lung cancer: locally advanced or metastatic after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
Prostate cancer: metastatic castration-resistant
Gastric adenocarcinoma: advanced
Head and neck cancer: locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma

Important Safety Information

Warning

Toxic deaths, hepatotoxicity, neutropenia, hypersensitivity reactions, and fluid retention have been reported with docetaxel use.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to docetaxel or polysorbate 80
Neutrophil counts below 1500 cells/mm^3

Adverse Reactions

Neutropenia
Anemia
Febrile neutropenia
Hypersensitivity reactions
Fluid retention
Alopecia
Nail disorders
Gastrointestinal reactions
Cardiovascular reactions

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

Dose adjustments may be necessary based on neutrophil counts, platelet counts, and liver function.

Breast cancer

Adult Dose

60-100 mg/m^2 every 3 weeks

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Non-small cell lung cancer

Adult Dose

75 mg/m^2 every 3 weeks

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Prostate cancer

Adult Dose

75 mg/m^2 every 3 weeks

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Gastric adenocarcinoma

Adult Dose

75 mg/m^2 every 3 weeks

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Head and neck cancer

Adult Dose

75 mg/m^2 every 3 weeks

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

Docetaxel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
Use in pregnancy is not recommended unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether docetaxel is excreted in human milk.
Caution should be exercised when administering docetaxel to nursing mothers.

Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of docetaxel in pediatric patients have not been established.
Use in pediatric patients is not recommended unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

Geriatric Use

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Use in elderly patients requires careful monitoring for adverse reactions.