cabazitaxel at a glance
Medicine class
Taxane chemotherapy
Licensed role
Advanced prostate cancer that has progressed after docetaxel-containing treatment
Administration
Diluted intravenous infusion in a specialist cancer unit, with medicines beforehand to reduce allergic reactions
What is cabazitaxel used for?
Cabazitaxel Tillomed is licensed for:
Adults with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with a docetaxel-containing regimen, in combination with prednisone or prednisolone.
How does cabazitaxel work?
Cabazitaxel binds to tubulin and stabilises microtubules, preventing their normal breakdown. This disrupts cell division and other essential cell functions, helping to limit cancer-cell growth.
cabazitaxel preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, 60 mg
How to take cabazitaxel
Cabazitaxel is prepared and given into a vein by trained staff in a specialist unit. Anti-allergy medicines are given beforehand, and anti-sickness treatment may also be used. Maintain hydration as directed and take accompanying prednisone or prednisolone exactly as prescribed.
This product requires two dilution stages before infusion.
The whole supplied solvent vial must be used for the initial dilution.
Tell staff immediately about flushing, rash, swelling, dizziness or breathing difficulty during administration.
cabazitaxel side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced white cells, red cells or platelets
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or constipation
- Tiredness, weakness or reduced appetite
- Back pain
- Blood in the urine
- Taste changes, abdominal discomfort or hair loss
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever or other signs of infection, particularly with a low white-cell count
- Severe allergic reaction during infusion
- Severe dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction
- New or worsening cough or breathlessness
- Kidney failure or a substantial change in urine output
- Blood clots, severe bleeding or significant heart-rhythm disturbance
cabazitaxel in pregnancy
Cabazitaxel is not licensed for use in women and may harm a developing fetus. Men receiving it should use effective contraception during treatment and afterwards. Discuss fertility preservation before treatment where relevant.
cabazitaxel while breastfeeding
Cabazitaxel is not licensed for use in women. Animal evidence shows that cabazitaxel and its metabolites enter milk, so potential exposure while breastfeeding requires specialist oncology and maternity advice.
cabazitaxel interactions
Give the cancer team a complete list of prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products before treatment.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors, including clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and voriconazole
May increase cabazitaxel exposure and toxicity; combined use should generally be avoided or managed by the specialist team.
Strong CYP3A inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and rifampicin
May lower cabazitaxel exposure and should generally be avoided.
St John’s wort
May reduce cabazitaxel exposure and should not be taken during treatment.
Common questions about cabazitaxel
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of chemotherapy is cabazitaxel?
A taxane chemotherapy that stabilises microtubules and disrupts cancer-cell division.
Is cabazitaxel taken as a tablet?
No. It is diluted and administered into a vein by trained staff in a specialist cancer unit.
Why is fever urgent?
It may be the first sign of a serious infection when cabazitaxel has reduced infection-fighting white blood cells.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.