Cabazitaxel is a semi-synthetic derivative of a natural taxoid

Taxoid

Taxoids are a class of derivatives from taxol. They were developed for their anti-cancer properties.See also the similar taxanes.Taxoids include Taxotere....

. It was developed by Sanofi-Aventis

Sanofi-Aventis

Sanofi S.A. is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, France, the world's fourth-largest by prescription sales. Sanofi engages in the research and development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products for sale principally in the prescription market, but the...

 and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly...

 on June 17, 2010. It is a microtubule inhibitor.

Cabazitaxel in combination with prednisone

Prednisone

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases and some types of cancer, but has significant adverse effects...

 is a treatment option for hormone-refractory prostate cancer following or during docetaxel-based treatment.

Clinical trials

In a phase III trial with 755 men for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer, median survival was 15.1 months for patients receiving cabazitaxel versus 12.7 months for patients receiving mitoxantrone. Cabazitaxel was associated with more grade 3-4 neutropenia (81.7%) than mitoxantrone (58%).

External links

• Cabazitaxel - Official web site of manufacturer.
• Cabazitaxel Prescribing Information - Official prescribing information.
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Drug Information Portal - Cabazitaxel