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Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: July 1, 2007
Facts about paclitaxel
- Paclitaxel belongs to a class of chemotherapy agents called “plant alkaloids”, and was developed from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree. Paclitaxel works by inhibiting the cell's ability to divide and reproduce, leading to cell death.
- Paclitaxel is used to treat many types of cancer including: breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, lung, bladder and head and neck cancers, Kaposi's sarcoma, and leukemia.
How to take paclitaxel
Paclitaxel is given into a vein (i.e. intravenously). The dose is dependent on your body size and will be determined by your physician. You will be given several medications before the infusion to prevent an allergic reaction.
Paclitaxel should be administered by a nurse experienced in chemotherapy administration. There is a risk that the medication could leak out of the vein into the surrounding tissue. This could result in tissue damage, which could require further treatment. Let your nurse know right away if you notice any burning or swelling around the IV.
How long should you take paclitaxel?
You can receive paclitaxel for as long as the cancer cells continue to respond to this therapy and you are able to tolerate any side effects. If you are receiving therapy after surgical removal of the tumor (called adjuvant chemotherapy), you will receive a predetermined number of doses of paclitaxel.