Paclitaxel (TAXOL): side effects and patient education issues

Paclitaxel (TAXOL), a new and exciting antimicrotubule agent, is indicated after failure of first-line or subsequent chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic carcinoma of the ovary. Phase II studies also have shown impressive responses in cancers of the breast and lung. This article describes the side effects that have been reported thus far in a variety of settings. Included in the discussion of each side effect are the preventive measures, the manifestations, the patients at risk, and the actions to take if any adverse reaction should occur. The patient education issues involved in treatment with paclitaxel also are covered in this article. These include the kind of information to give patients regarding side effects, follow-up studies, and administration of related medication. Consideration of patients' unfamiliarity with the health care system also is discussed.