The use of Taxotere (docetaxel) based regimens for women with late stage breast cancer has been available since 2001. Studies today find that the use of Taxotere (docetaxel) improve survival rate and the quality of life and helps reverse progress of metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer.
Today the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), UK, released a guidance that recommends that all eligible patients with prostate cancer have access to the cancer drug. Taxotere® (docetaxel) has an acceptable increase of side effects. The most commonly reported adverse reaction associated with Taxotere® (docetaxel) is low white cell count, which may lead to infection, but is reversible and not cumulative. Other common side effects include flushing, skin rash, chest tightness, back pain, anemia, nausea, sore mouth and taste change, diarrhea, hair loss, hypersensitivity and tiredness.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, excluding skin cancer. American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates for 2005 include 232,090 new cases of prostate cancer in the US. Year 2005 estimates include 30,350 deaths occurring from prostate cancer in the US alone, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
