Ethical issues and paclitaxel (TAXOL) administration

Although less concrete than the practical issues involved in the administration of paclitaxel, the ethical concerns are nonetheless important. Anything that elicits the broad range of emotions shown by individuals seeking, receiving, or administering paclitaxel is bound to raise ethical concerns. General ethical principles can be applied to the "paclitaxel experience." It is helpful to look at ethical principles within the context of pressure exerted on caregivers to provide paclitaxel. These pressures include high media profile of the drug, reported drug activity, and environmental issues. The high media profile has led to tremendous public demand, which has in turn influenced access and referral issues. When a new, promising drug is released, it is important for those nurses who have worked with the drug in clinical trials to participate in the transfer of technical information to the community. This must include information designed to sensitize caregivers to the variety of issues and concerns raised in relation to the drug that they provide.