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Useful Patient Web Sites

Patient Education

Nurses' Resources

Reimbursement

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Advanced NSCLC

Metastatic Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION including BOXED WARNING

WARNING
The incidence of treatment-related mortality associated with Taxotere® therapy is increased in patients with abnormal liver function, in patients receiving higher doses, and in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma and a history of prior treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy who receive Taxotere® as a single agent at a dose of 100 mg/m2 (see WARNINGS section of the prescribing information)

Continued below

Useful Patient Web Sites

Many of your patients may refer to the Internet for additional information about cancer and treatment. In this section you will find a listing of Web sites that may help your patients tap into a network of support during their treatment.

NOTE: Sanofi-aventis takes no responsibility for the content of third-party resources listed in this Web site, and makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within these third-party resources.

Cancer (General)
Breast Cancer
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Gastric/GE Junction Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer (General)

American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org
A nationwide, community-based, volunteer organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Cancer Care
1-212-712-8400 or 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
www.cancercare.org
A national nonprofit organization that provides free professional help to people with all cancers through counseling, education, information and referral, and direct financial assistance.

Cancer Consultants
www.cancerconsultants.com
The Cancer Consultants Web site is a resource center providing in-depth information on cancer prevention and treatment, the latest cancer news, treatment side effects, support resources, clinical trials, and more.

Caring 4 Cancer
www.caring4cancer.com
A Web site supported by cancer specialists that is a complete source of knowledge and support. It includes information on diagnosis and treatment, daily management, well-being, and general support.

Cancerinformation.com
www.cancerinformation.com/
Presented by sanofi-aventis, CancerInformation.com is your choice for questions about cancer. This site provides information about cancer, as well as resources for patients, their families, and their caregivers.

Clinical Trials
www.clinicaltrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov provides regularly updated information about federally and privately supported clinical research in human volunteers. The Web site is a service of the National Institutes of Health, developed by the National Library of Medicine.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
www.cancer.gov
An excellent source for information about ongoing research and cancer trials being conducted by the NCI.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
1-877-NCCS-YES (622-7937)
www.canceradvocacy.org
The oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country and a highly respected voice at the federal level, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans, and empowering cancer survivors.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
www.nccn.org
The Web site of the NCCN offers cancer patients and healthcare professionals important information intended to help improve the quality of cancer treatment, including the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in OncologyTM (free with online registration) and the NCCN/American Cancer Society Treatment Guidelines for Patients (also available in Spanish).

National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov
A division of the National Institutes of Health charged with research and patient education on mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety. It offers comprehensive information for people suffering from cancer.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
1-888-4PPA-NOW (477-2669)
www.pparx.org
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance Web site provides patients, caregivers, and loved ones with information about government-supported and private patient assistance programs.

Cancer.net
www.cancer.net
Cancer.net is a Web site for patients, their families, and their friends, provided by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The site offers general cancer information as well as detailed information on specific types of cancer. In addition, you can access ASCO resources, including treatment guidelines and research abstracts from annual ASCO professional meetings.

Prevent Cancer Foundation
1-800-227-2732
www.preventcancer.org
Supports cancer prevention research, education, and outreach programs nationwide and has played a pivotal role in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important prevention and early detection strategies.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/ucm093885.htm
Offers information on cancer and approved cancer treatments, as well as reference tools and a patient liaison program. This Web site is a service of the US FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The Wellness Community
1-888-793-WELL (9355)
www.thewellnesscommunity.org
An international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free support, education, and resources to people with cancer and their loved ones.

* NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology is a trademark of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Breast Cancer Web Sites

BreastCancer.org
www.breastcancer.org
This Web site is designed to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical information and personal issues related to breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for themselves.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.komen.org
The Web site of Susan G. Komen for the Cure provides information on grants and funding to help eradicate breast cancer. You also will find interactive educational tools and much more.

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
The Web site of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., aims to increase awareness about breast cancer through education, provide mammograms for those in need, and more.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength
www.networkofstrength.org
The Web site of the Breast Cancer Network of Strength provides information and support in Spanish and English to those touched by breast cancer. Their mission is to ensure, through information, empowerment, and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone.

Gastric/GE Junction Cancer Web Sites

Gastro Esophageal Cancer Foundation
1-281-320-0022
www.gecancer.org
A foundation that is focused on increasing awareness of gastroesophageal (GE) cancer through education and research, prevention, and early detection of the disease. They also provide support services for GE cancer patients and their families.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
www.niaaa.nih.gov
A division of the National Institutes of Health that specializes in research and public education about the risks of alcohol, and the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse.

Head and Neck Cancer Web Sites

American Head & Neck Society
www.headandneckcancer.org
A professional organization dedicated to the advancement of research and education in head and neck oncology.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
www.niaaa.nih.gov
A division of the National Institutes of Health that specializes in research and public education about the risks of alcohol and the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse.

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC)
1-800-377-0928
www.spohnc.org
Founded in 1991 by an oral cancer survivor, SPOHNC is a patient-directed, self-help organization dedicated to meeting the needs of patients with oral and head and neck cancer.

Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
www.headandneck.org
An organization that provides resources and support to patients with head and neck cancer. The foundation also organizes and directs Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, an international event designed to raise awareness of head and neck cancer.

Lung Cancer Web Sites

American Lung Association
www.lungusa.org
The Web site of the American Lung Association offers information and free tools to help people with lung cancer make decisions about treatment options. This site also provides information on tobacco control, quitting smoking, air quality, allergies, and asthma. People also can donate money on this site to help fund lung disease education programs.

Lung Cancer Alliance
www.lungcanceralliance.org
The Lung Cancer Alliance Web site provides patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer as well as those at risk of the disease. Visit the Web site for support program information, a clinical trials matching service, and more.

Lung Cancer Online Foundation
www.lungcanceronline.org
The Lung Cancer Online Foundation is a nonprofit group dedicated to improving the quality of care and quality of life for people with lung cancer by funding lung cancer research and providing information to patients and families via Lungcanceronline.org. The content of the Web site includes valuable and current information on lung cancer and its treatment.

LungCancer.org
www.lungcancer.org
Lungcancer.org is a program of CancerCare. This national nonprofit organization provides free support and resources, including counselling, education, and financial assistance, to anyone affected by lung cancer.

Prostate Cancer Web Sites

Zero–The Project to End Prostate Cancer
www.zerocancer.org
The Zero–The Project to End Prostate Cancer Web site provides a multitude of information about prostate cancer, detection, prevention, treatment, research, and more. Visit the Web site to learn about your prognosis, understand your treatment options, and find out about minimizing treatment side effects and helping to maintain your quality of life.

Prostate Cancer Foundation
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Web site funds high-impact research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. Visit this site to learn more about nutrition, various therapies, symptoms, treatment side effects, and more.

Prostate Cancer Institute
www.prostate-cancer-institute.org
The Web site of the Prostate Cancer Institute provides information for prostate cancer patients and their families about the disease and treatment options.

Us TOO International, Inc.
www.ustoo.com
Us TOO is a grassroots organization serving prostate cancer survivors, their spouses/partners, and families. The organization is dedicated to communicating timely and reliable information to enable informed choices regarding detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS:

The incidence of treatment-related mortality associated with Taxotere® therapy is increased in patients with abnormal liver function, in patients receiving higher doses, and in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma and a history of prior treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy who receive Taxotere® as a single agent at a dose of 100 mg/m²
Taxotere® should not be given to patients with bilirubin >upper limit of normal (ULN), or to patients with AST and/or ALT>1.5 X ULN concomitant with alkaline phosphatase >2.5 X ULN
- Patients with elevations of bilirubin or abnormalities of transaminase concurrent with alkaline phosphatase are at increased risk for the development of grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, infections, severe thrombocytopenia, severe stomatitis, severe skin toxicity, and toxic death
- Patients with isolated elevations of transaminase >1.5 X ULN also had a higher rate of febrile neutropenia grade 4 but did not have an increased incidence of toxic death
- Bilirubin, AST or ALT, and alkaline phosphatase values should be obtained prior to each cycle of Taxotere® therapy
Taxotere® therapy should not be given to patients with neutrophil counts of <1500 cells/mm³
- In order to monitor the occurrence of neutropenia, which may be severe and result in infection, frequent blood cell counts should be performed on all patients receiving Taxotere®
Severe hypersensitivity reactions characterized by generalized rash/erythema, hypotension and/or bronchospasm, or very rarely fatal anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients who received the recommended 3-day dexamethasone premedication
- Hypersensitivity reactions require immediate discontinuation of Taxotere® infusion and administration of appropriate therapy
Taxotere® must not be given to patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to Taxotere® or to other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80
Severe fluid retention occurred in 6.5% (6/92) of patients despite use of a 3-day dexamethasone premedication regimen. It was characterized by one or more of the following events: poorly tolerated peripheral edema, generalized edema, pleural effusion requiring urgent drainage, dyspnea at rest, cardiac tamponade, or pronounced abdominal distention (due to ascites)

Neutropenia (<2,000 neutrophils/mm³) occurs in virtually all patients given 60-100 mg/m² of Taxotere® and grade 4 neutropenia (<500 cells/mm³) occurs in 85% of patients given 100 mg/m² and 75% of patients given
60 mg/m²
Patients should be premedicated with oral corticosteroids prior to each Taxotere® administration to reduce the incidence and severity of fluid retention. Patients with pre-existing effusions should be closely monitored from the first dose for possible exacerbation of the effusions
Treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia has occurred in patients given anthracyclines and/or cyclophosphamide, including use with Taxotere® in adjuvant therapy of breast cancer
Localized erythema of the extremities with edema followed by desquamation has been observed
- In case of severe skin toxicity, an adjustment in dosage is recommended
Severe neurosensory symptoms (paresthesia, dysesthesia, pain) were observed in 5.5% (53/965) of metastatic breast cancer patients, and resulted in treatment discontinuation in 6.1%
- When these symptoms occur, dosage must be adjusted; if symptoms persist, treatment should be discontinued
Severe asthenia was reported in 14.9% (144/965) of metastatic breast cancer patients, but led to treatment discontinuation in only 1.8%
- Symptoms of fatigue and weakness may last a few days up to several weeks and may be associated with deterioration of performance status in patients with progressive disease
Taxotere® can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant during therapy with Taxotere®
The most common adverse reactions across all Taxotere® indications are infections, neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia, pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, skin reactions and myalgia
In patients treated with TCF for gastric cancer, the incidence of serious adverse events was higher in patients ≥65 years than in younger patients. Adverse events (all grades) occurring at rates ≥10% higher in elderly patients included lethargy, stomatitis, diarrhea, dizziness, edema, and febrile neutropenia/neutropenic infection.
Taxotere® should be administered in a facility equipped to manage possible complications (e.g. anaphylaxis)

Please click here for Taxotere full prescribing information, including boxed WARNING.

Taxotere® (docetaxel) Injection Concentrate Indications

Breast Cancer
TAXOTERE® is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer

Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TAXOTERE®, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition.

Metastatic Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with androgen-independent (hormone-refractory) metastatic prostate cancer.

Advanced Gastric/GE Junction Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).