This is a semisynthetic taxane similar to paclitaxel; manufactured from a taxane precursors obtained from the needles of European yew tree Taxus baccata.

Indications: advance r metastatic breast cancer and non- small cell lung cancer resistant to other cytotoxic drugs; hormone-resistant prostate cancer.

Cautions: Premedication with oral dexamethasone for five days starting on the day before each course of docetaxel is recommended for reducing fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions; hepatic impairment.

Contra-indications: pregnancy and breast-feeding; sever allergy; neutropenia; severe hepatic impairment; patients hypersensitive to polysorbate-80, which is contained in the formulation.

Side effect: persistent fluid retention commonly seen as leg oedema which worsens during treatment and can be resistant to treatment; hypersensitivity reactions also occurs; ascites, pleural and pericardial effusion and weight gain is common and may be cumulative.