How much will taxol reduce risk recurrence? (tnbc)

fiddler4me

I'm tnbc stage 1a grade 2 approaching 3, dx 1/13.  Finished AC & 2 weeks later developed neuropathy in fingertips.  Finished 4th of 12 T infusions last Friday.  Side effects close to unbearable:  itchy hives on backs of hands, fingernails & toenails warping & turning yellow with red, bloody nose, pain, aches, neuropathy just started in toes.  On 1/4 of steroid dose to go with T.  L-glutamine not working much; pain relievers help somewhat.

Thinking of quitting T a/c SEs.

What is the %-age benefit of T overall?  I've been reading it's only 1%, but don't know if that's for tnbc or other bc's.  Anyone knowledgeable on this?

Worrywart9390

I don't know the answer but I read somewhere online from some triple negative expert that the taxanes help stop recurrence.  I'm going to try and find the article and talk to your oncologist, maybe there is something else they can give you to help with the side effects.  I'm borderline triple negative, but I'm one of the few that are on TC  - I think most are getting the ACT.  Good luck to you.

Luah

With taxol, SEs can be caused not by the chemotherapy agent itself, but by the formulations/solvent in which it is carried. Ask your doctor about alternatives. (Abraxane is one that is used in metastatic BC.).

Here is a study that may be interesting: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430667/

There are also other taxanes, such as taxotere, that may or may not be easier on you. Ask your doctor about that too. 

There is evidence that taxanes are beneficial, especially for TN, which is why most TN specialists will include a taxane in chemo regimens. On the other hand, a study surfaced very recently that suggested some poorer outcomes with taxol.