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Taxol increases toxicity of radiation?

Page last modified on: September 19, 2008

Question from PlainJane: Does Taxol increase the toxicity of radiation?: Answers —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: The taxanes (both Taxol and Taxotere) are radiosensitizers. This means that they give sort of a one-two punch to cancer cells. We may eventually use the combination to increase response rates to radiation therapy.

Giving a taxane with radiation at the present time is, however, investigational. Another thing you can see is that giving a taxane after radiation therapy can lead to something called "radiation recall." Areas that received radiation before can become red, as if you just completed radiation therapy, even if it's many months or even years later.; Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: You can also get radiation recall from Adriamycin (chemical name: doxorubicin) chemotherapy. In general, it's a good idea to avoid giving radiation at the same time as some of these powerful chemotherapy drugs, unless there is definite proof that giving them at the same time is likely to add substantial benefit. At this point, that benefit is unproven and the side effects are higher.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Chemotherapy Updates. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in chemotherapy treatment: different types of drugs and regimens, how to reduce or eliminate unpleasant side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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