Taxol chemotherapy

[Krista40]

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to review my question.

I have completed 4 cycles of AC, 1 cycle every 3 weeks.  I have 4 cycles of Taxol coming up next, 1 cycle every 3 weeks.  I have these questions regarding Taxol:

Q1. Even though my AC cycles were 3 weeks apart, is it okay to have my cycles of Taxol only 2 weeks apart (dose dense?)

Q2. Are there benefits to dose-dense Taxol regiments (e.g. a cycle every 2 weeks) vs. "normal" regiments (e.g. a cycle every 3 weeks)?

Q3. Is dose-dense chemotherapy (especially in the case of Taxol) now a Standard level of care?

Q4. How is the Taxol dosage calculated for a dose-dense regiment of Taxol: 4 cycles, 1 cycle every *two* weeks?  (I am 5'11", weighing 133 lbs.) ?

Q5. How is the Taxol dosage calculated for a "normal" regiment of Taxol: 4 cycles, 1 cycle every *three* weeks?

Thanks!  -Krista

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Krista40, There are a number of chemotherapy regimens that are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Many of the conventional cancer chemotherapy regimens for treatment of breast cancer are given at three-week intervals. In recent years, there has been increasing use of  “dose-dense” drug regimens where chemotherapy drugs are given more frequently, such as once a week or once every two weeks. The drug dose is either kept the same or is lowered slightly. The idea is that exposing cancer cells to the drugs more frequently may kill more cells and thus improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.  Giving Taxol in a dose-dense fashion is one of the treatment options for breast cancer but is not appropriate in all situations.  The risks and benefits of a specific regimen are taken into account for the individual when making a recommendation for one regimen over another.  Dosages are calculated based on the individual’s body surface area (BSA) a calculation that takes into account a person’s height and weight.