Taxol Associated With Radiation Pneumonitis
December 6, 2001
A new study published today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals that women who use Taxol along with chemotherapy to treat advanced breast cancer may be at risk of developing a rare lung disorder. Dr. Alphonse G. Taghlan studied 41 women who used Taxol while undergoing chemotherapy. The doctor reported that 15 percent of the women studied developed radiation pneumonitis, a lung inflammation that sometimes occurs after radiation therapy.
In contrast, only one percent of those studied who did not combine Taxol with chemotherapy developed the lung disease. Radiation pneumonitis, if untreated, can lead to lung scaring and reduced lung capacity. Researchers say the new evidence suggests that Taxol should be used with caution. Taxol, also known as paclitaxel, is manufactured by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. The FDA approved the drug in 1992.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
More ...
- Researchers Question Tamoxifen Use
- Tamoxifen May Prevent Breast Cancer in Healthy Women; Researchers Still Cautious
- Canada Issues Warning Over Tamoxifen
.