Current developments in the application of Docetaxel (Taxotere®) in gynecologic oncology

Background: The semisynthetic taxane docetaxel has created a certain excitement in the oncology community. The convincing data from several clinical trials in second and third line treatment of advanced breast cancer revealed high activity of the drug combined with a tolerable spectrum of toxicity. Thus, save drug handling is provided. Indications: Since introduction of this drug some new indications for the use of Taxotere(R) could be established, e.g. in first link treatment of advanced breast cancer, as a single agent or in combination with other drugs, or in the neoadjuvant setting for the treatment of primary operable breast cancers. Convincing data have been reported so far that docetaxel is also highly active in anthracy-cline-resistant breast cancer. There are also preliminary new data that docetaxel might, be effective in the first and second line treatment of ovarian cancer.