taxotere vs taxol

candlegranny · 05-31-2010, 01:13 PM

what is the difference in these 2 drugs? I start a new regime tomorrow. I will get herceptin and taxotere. I have seen several people talk about taxol but not much about the taxotere. Any one else have this and have any idea why this recipe is used? I just completed 4 treatments of adrimyicin and cytoxen. I am dose dense and get neulasta shot after each treatment.
i also got to see the movie Living Proof last night. it was awesome. I so appreciate Dr. Slamon's dedication and his familie's sacrifices for his research.

DX jan 19,2010 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma,
31 nodes removed, 17 positive
modified radical masectomy on Right side
mets to just above collar bone ( 2 nodes showed in PET)
started chem mar 22
april 19 chemo delayed 2 weeks- hopsitalized for what was thought infection
in surgical spot... but was not
start herceptin and taxotere june 1 Dose Dense

Mary Anne in TX · 05-31-2010, 02:52 PM

I think that they are the same family of drugs. As you can see, I took Adriamycin and Taxotere together (ugh) and then taxol and herceptin with Carboplatin added. Sounds as if you're being heavily treated as I was. So far, it has worked for me. ma

Becky · 05-31-2010, 05:20 PM

Taxotere and Taxol are in the same family of drugs (Taxanes). However, I have heard that Taxotere is a bit more effective. Don't worry about the difference, there's not much if any (except Taxotere may be a bit better and that's what you're getting).

Jackie07 · 05-31-2010, 05:44 PM

Becky's right. There's a study done in 2003 at UT-San Antonio that showed better results from Taxotere. But the study was sponsored by the company that produces Taxotere. So there might be some bias there.

I think the doctors just switch the two 'taxanes' back and forth to see which one is more tolerable to the patient.

candlegranny · 05-31-2010, 10:21 PM

Thank you for the information. I will see how it goes tomorrow. they told me it would take 3 hours for the Taxotere and 1 and half hours for the herceptin since it is the first time and i will be monitored for any kind of reaction. I am excited to start getting herceptin. I saw on our news tonite that there is a new vaccine coming out in the next 1-2 yrs that will prevent breast cancer from starting and stop the cancers that are already active. Research is so awesome.

Delaney · 06-01-2010, 02:07 AM

Candlegranny,
You are so lucky to be starting your treatment. I envy you, and wish you all the best also! I got biopsy results and cancer is back, had lump on chest checked and its positive. Lots more since. Told its very agressive and must be treated immediately- then get appointment for scans - in a months time! Rang consultant but he says we have to wait for scans. cancer epidemic where I live, also health cutbacks. Had mastectomy 2008, then a/c, taxol, and 1 year of tyverb. Less than a month after I came off the tyverb the lump appeared on my chest. Now remaining breast hot and painful, also backpain, had mri in Nov, wear and tear they told me then. Have gone from using paracetamol to tramadol . Has anyone else been left waiting this long and been ok?
Delaney.

jhandley · 06-01-2010, 04:45 AM

Hi
They are both extracted from the Pacific yew tree. One is from the leaves and the other from the bark. When I was doing my honours in Chem in 1993, the girl whose desk was next to me was trying to work out the structure of taxol so it could be synthesised.
Cheers
Jackie (down under)

Lori R · 06-01-2010, 05:00 AM

Dear CG,
Thank you Jackie for the info regarding the UT - San Antonio study. I never was certain why I received taxotere vs taxol.

CG....I did want you to know that I received the taxotere + herceptin combo. It did wonders for me and knocked back my stage IV liver met for over a year. I later went back on yet another form of the taxane "family" called Abraxane. The Abraxane worked wonders again.

So...it appears that the taxanes are very powerful against Her2+ cancer.

Wishing you a speedy and event free treatment. If you have any questions about the process or side effects feel free to ask away!!!

Best of luck....Lori

tricia keegan · 06-01-2010, 05:48 AM

Hi Delaney, I just noticed your post as I also am in Ireland.I'm very sorry to hear of your recurrance but I'm sure you'll benefit greatly from the info and support on this site. I'll send you a private message as don't want to hijack this thread

Candlegranny, just wanted to wish you luck tomorrow and hope you find it tolerable. I found the first treatment took ages though so allow extra time!

GemmaG · 06-01-2010, 06:47 PM

Taxotere is a cousin of Taxol per my onc. I'm on Taxotere plus my Herceptin (BFF) since Feb. 2 weeks on 1 week off. This coming Friday (june4) is Cycle 5, week 2. Then CT Scans on Sat., June5th. The nasty side effect? Nails falling off :-( blood collecting under the nails and all turning white and seems like they're falling off :-( same with my toenails. Also, excessive eye tearing :-(
But every one is different. I use tea tree oil and it helps. Good luck with your new cocktail. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Gemma

candlegranny · 06-01-2010, 07:14 PM

i have the eye tearing already from the A/C. they told me today it could worsen. what is the tea tree oil and how is it used?
I had my first herceptin and taxotere today. it was an all day thing in case of a reaction. I had no reactions thank God. i also asked about my tumor margins ... he gave me two differnent numbers but the Tm was 28 something. He said that was good and meant the chemo was doing what is is supposed to do. it was a long day, tomorrow I go for my neulasta shot so i will ask my nurse more about those numbers.