Taxotere Uses

Several types of cancer can be treated with Taxotere. Uses of the medication include the treatment of breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head and neck cancer. The medicine is not approved for treating cancer in children.

 

What Is Taxotere Used For?

Taxotere® (docetaxel) is a prescription medication used to treat various types of cancer. It is part of a group of chemotherapy medications called taxanes. Specifically, Taxotere is approved to treat the following types of cancer:
 
Taxotere is often used in combination with other chemotherapy medications (in a chemotherapy "regimen").
 

How Does Taxotere Work?

Taxotere 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 Taxotere 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 Taxotere.
 

Taxotere Uses in Children

Taxotere is not approved for treating cancer in children. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Taxotere in children.
 

Off-Label Taxotere Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Taxotere for something other than the conditions listed in this article. Currently, off-label Taxotere uses include the treatment of the following cancers:
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;