PURPOSEWe reviewed the preclinical and clinical profiles of the antineoplastic taxoid docetaxel (Taxotere, Rhône-Poulenc Rorer, Collegeville, PA).DESIGNFrom the literature and manufacturer's data, we detail docetaxel's activity, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in preclinical and phase I studies and its activity and side effects in phase II trials in various neoplasms.RESULTSDocetaxel promotes the assembly of and stabilizes microtubules, preventing their depolymerization. In phase I studies in patients with solid tumors refractory to standard chemotherapy, docetaxel's major dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was dose- but not schedule-dependent neutropenia; another major side effect was schedule-dependent grade 3 mucositis. Other, generally less severe effects included hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), neurotoxicities, cutaneous reactions, alopecia, and asthenia. Responses were observed in breast, bronchial, and ovarian carcinomas. The recommended dose for phase II studies was 100 mg/m2 as a 1-hour intraveno...