Antineoplastics, Antimicrotubular
Paclitaxel (Taxol, Abraxane)
Paclitaxel promotes microtubule assembly, interferes with the G2 mitotic phase, and inhibits cell replication. It has an off-label indication for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Black box warnings for paclitaxel include bone marrow suppression and hypersensitivity reactions.
Docetaxel (Taxotere, Docefrez)
Docetaxel inhibits the depolymerization of tubulin, which inhibits DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. It can be used for the treatment of relapsed SCLC, which is an off-label indication. Docetaxel has several black box warnings, such as bone marrow suppression, fluid retention, and hypersensitivity reactions. This drug is not recommended for use in certain patients with hepatic impairment. Patients undergoing docetaxel treatment should be premedicated with corticosteroids the day before administration, to help reduce fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions.
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High-power photomicrograph of small cell carcinoma on the left side of the image with normal ciliated respiratory epithelium on the right side of the image.
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This coronal positron emission tomogram shows a large, focal, hypermetabolic area on the right that is consistent with a large mass in the central portion of the right upper pulmonary lobe. Multiple other smaller hypermetabolic areas suggest lymph-node metastatic disease in the chest, abdomen, and right supraclavicular region.
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Winston W Tan, MD, FACP Associate Professor of Medicine, Mayo Medical School; Consultant and Person-in-Charge of Genitourinary Oncology-Medical Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville; Vice Chairman, Division of Hematology/Oncology Education, Chair, Cancer Survivorship Program, Associate Chair, Department of Medicine Faculty Development, Mayo Clinic Florida; Vice President, Florida Society of Clinical Oncology
Winston W Tan, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Philippine Medical Association, Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Irfan Maghfoor, MD Consulting Oncologist, Department of Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Saudi Arabia
Irfan Maghfoor, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Hematology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Nagla Abdel Karim, MD, PhD Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Director of Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Nagla Abdel Karim, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Egyptian American Medical Association, Egyptian Cancer Society, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.