What Is Paclitaxel Used For? (Cont.)

How Does Paclitaxel Work?

Paclitaxel is part of a group of medications called taxanes. Taxanes stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with certain structures in the cell.
 
While paclitaxel can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells and are, therefore, more affected by the medication.
 

Is Paclitaxel Used for Children?

Paclitaxel is not approved for treating cancer in children. Children may be more sensitive to paclitaxel side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
 

Is Paclitaxel Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend paclitaxel for treating something other than the conditions listed in this article. Currently, off-label paclitaxel uses include treatment of the following cancers:
 
The medication is also used in an off-label fashion in preparation for stem cell transplants.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;