KOSEN 한인과학기술자네트워크

Taxol is an anticancer drug. Its brand name is "paclitaxel". It is used mianly for ovarian and breast cancer. It also has cytotoxic activity against most of solid tumors such as lung, head and neck, bladder and prostate cancer. Mechanism of action is blocking cell cycle at G2/M phase by binding polymerized tubulin, i.e., microtubulue. In addition, taxol induces apoptosis, i.e., programmed cell death. Although the induction of apoptosis due to taxol treatment is not clear yet, blc2 and p53 are reported to be related. >Tell me more about taxol. >What is used for? >What is the mechanism of action? >etc.

>Tell me more about taxol. >What is used for? >What is the mechanism of action? >etc. Treats cancer of the ovaries. Also used to treat breast cancer and some kinds of leukemia. BRAND NAME(S): Taxol® WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE: You should not be treated with this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to paclitaxel. HOW TO TAKE AND STORE THIS MEDICINE This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor. Intravenous (IV): · Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it will be given. · Your medicine will be given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, or hand and sometimes in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV. · A nurse or other care giver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment. · If you get your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there. · If you get your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the IV liquid at room temperature, away from heat and light. · Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. · If you get your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it. If you miss a dose: · This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedure. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health care giver, or clinic where you get your treatments for instructions. DRUGS AND FOODS TO AVOID: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine, including over-the-counter products. · Do not take aspirin or products that have aspirin in it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor. · Avoid drinking alcohol. · Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots). · Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking ketoconazole (Nizoral®). WARNINGS: · Do not breastfeed while you are being given this medicine. · You may get infections more easily while getting this medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections. · This medicine can cause rashes, trouble breathing, or flushing (reddening in the face). You will get medicine before your cancer treatment to help prevent these problems. · This medicine may cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If the medicine does not help (you can't keep liquids down), tell your doctor. If you plan to have children: · Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are being treated with paclitaxel. Use an effective method of birth control while you are getting this medicine. · If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments. SIDE EFFECTS Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects: · Fever, chills, or sore throat · Unusual bleeding or bruising · Painful mouth sores that keep your from drinking liquids · Swelling in the face, lips, or throat · Wheezing, trouble breathing · Fast or irregular heartbeat · Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet · Uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea If you have problems with these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor. · Loss of appetite · Muscle or bone pain · Hair loss IF YOU HAVE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS THAT YOU THINK ARE CAUSED BY THIS MEDICINE, TELL YOUR DOCTOR.