Docetaxel: Potent Chemotherapy Targeting Cell Division

Docetaxel is a clinically established chemotherapy drug used to treat several cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate, stomach, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and cancers of the head and neck. It belongs to the taxane class of antimitotic agents and is a semisynthetic analogue of paclitaxel.

How It Works:

Docetaxel binds to microtubules in a 1:1 ratio, stabilizing their structure and preventing depolymerization. This action disrupts cell division and promotes cancer cell death. Compared to paclitaxel, docetaxel is twice as effective in inhibiting microtubule breakdown, though it does not bind to dimeric tubulin.

Administration:

The drug is delivered via slow intravenous infusion and may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer agents.

Potential Side Effects:

Common: Hair loss, low blood cell counts (cytopenia), muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sensory issues like numbness or shortness of breath.
- Severe: Liver toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, fluid retention, neutropenic colitis, embryo-fetal harm, pneumotoxicity, and risk of developing secondary cancers.
- Docetaxel’s adverse effects tend to be more pronounced in patients with liver impairment.

Important Notes:

Use in pregnancy is contraindicated due to fetal risks, and careful monitoring is recommended to detect serious complications like pneumotoxicity early.