Reaction to doxetaxil

[SHar61]

My husband has metastatic PC and received his second doxetaxil treatment... had difficulty breathing, flushed, felt like he was dying. They loaded him up with steroids and histamine blockers and were able to get it in over 6 hours. On the third infusion he was loaded up with the steroids and after only 1cc of the chemo he had the same result. Stopped the treatment because of reaction. Anyone have this experience? Read they can do a desensitizing therapy or switch to albumin as the carrier of the doxetaxil. See the oncologist tomorrow for the new plan of action.

[dress2544]

Hi SH ar61

I also had severe reactions to docetaxel infusion. I was forced to stop the treatment with only one infusion (130 ml). During the infusion time itself I had severe reaction which was managed by corticosteroid injection. But from fifth day onwards I had severe diarrhea which became unmanageable After three days in the hospital they could manage it. I had large swelling on both my legs and foot. While in the hospital hospital I thought I was dying due to the severe side effects of docetaxel. Anyway it took almost one month to recover from the severity. Even now after two years since the treatment, I experience severe coughing when start eating any food. That experience of docetaxel is still a nightmare for me!

[SHar61 in reply to dress2544]

Thanks for sharing. What an aweful complication! He’s had constipation probably more from the radiation a few years back but nothing continual from the doxetaxil. Today’s the new game plan. Hope for a better course!

[dress2544]

I would like to know the suggestion of your medical oncologist regarding the next line of treatment for your husband after discontinuing the docetaxel infusion. Please keeping posting the next treatment plans

[Lakefisher in reply to dress2544]

Maybe Jevtana? It's supposed to have less side effects.

[SHar61 in reply to Lakefisher]

That’s what I was thinking. They also mentioned infusing it in the hospital where they had more resources available.. for emergencies? Or for configuration of the doxetoxil? It’s a Dana Farber/Maine Med affiliant so I trust in their judgement.

[Stegosaurus37]

Sounds like allergic reactions. Docetaxil is a yew tree derivative. A friend of mine who makes wood bows can't make yew wood bows because of allergies to yew wood. And a well-known Pacific Northwest Indian artist is hampered in her art because she's allergic to cedar wood.

[SHar61]

Interesting how repeated exposure increases the sensitivity to the substance. After our visit with the oncologist today, he wants to proceed with hospitalization and gradual infusion over several hours. Also they have a whole regime medications to offset reaction. A little nervous about this but at least till be supervised with epinephrine available .Ugh😳