HomeAnswersMedical oncologypaclitaxelMy mother has been recommended Paclitaxel and Docetaxel for breast cancer. Which one should we go for?

Is injection Paclitaxel the drug of choice for the fifth cycle of chemotherapy in cancer treatment?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 9, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 19, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother was diagnosed with carcinoma in her left breast. The histopathology report showed pT2pN1, ER (estrogen receptors) and PR (progesterone receptors) positive, and HER2-Neu (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) negative. She underwent a modified radical mastectomy. The doctors then advised her to undergo eight cycles of chemotherapy, with a three-week gap between consecutive chemotherapies. She has already received four cycles of Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide. Now, one doctor suggested using Docetaxel 125 mg for the fifth cycle of chemotherapy, while another doctor recommended Paclitaxel 260 mg for the fifth cycle. We are unsure which drug we should go for. The patient's height is 60 inches, and her weight is 138 pounds.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Gulati

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

She should go for injection Paclitaxel; it is the drug of choice.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I want to confirm whether you have suggested Paclitaxel for 12 rounds of weekly chemotherapy or for the next four cycles of chemo with a three-week gap between each session? Personally, we would like to proceed with four more chemotherapy sessions, as my mother is not mentally prepared for 12 additional treatments. Would you recommend Paclitaxel over Docetaxel for these four chemo sessions (with a 21-day gap between each session)?

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Gulati

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Docetaxel is considerably stronger in comparison to Paclitaxel. Therefore, Paclitaxel is considered a better option. Injection Paclitaxel can be administered either weekly for 12 doses or every three weeks for four doses. When given weekly, lower doses are spread over 12 weeks, resulting in fewer side effects. If her general condition is good, she can opt for four cycles every three weeks. In the event that she experiences more side effects with the three-weekly dose, the remaining three cycles can be switched to nine weekly doses of injection Paclitaxel.

I hope your queries are resolved and any further queries are welcome.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rajesh Gulati
Dr. Rajesh Gulati

Family Physician

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