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Docetaxel: Overview of an Active Drug for Breast Cancer

St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Correspondence: John Crown, M.D., Elm Park, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland. Telephone: 353-1-269-5330; Fax: 353-1-283-7719; e-mail: john.crown{at}icorg.ie

Docetaxel and paclitaxel differ in their precise molecular targets and pharmacokinetics. Docetaxel is more avidly taken up by tumor cell lines than paclitaxel, and its efflux is slower. Comparative cytotoxicity data suggest greater potency. These factors may help explain the clinical differences that have been observed between the taxanes in patients with breast cancer.

Key Words. Adjuvant • Breast cancer • Docetaxel • Paclitaxel • Differentiation