TC: docetaxel and cyclophosphamide
- Medical Review: Jamie Carroll, APRN, CNP, MSN
TC (docetaxel and cyclophosphamide) is a common chemotherapy regimen given to treat early-stage breast cancer.
It is a combination of two chemotherapy medicines:
Docetaxel is a type of chemotherapy medicine called a taxane.
Cyclophosphamide is a type of chemotherapy medicine called an alkylating agent.
How TC works
Docetaxel works by damaging the structure or the “skeleton” that supports cancer cells. This stops the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Cyclophosphamide attaches to and damages the DNA in cancer cells when they are in their resting phase (not dividing). After their DNA is damaged, the cells can’t keep dividing, and their growth slows or stops.
Who gets TC
TC is one option used to treat early-stage breast cancer. Unlike some other regimens given for early-stage breast cancer, TC does not contain an anthracycline. If you have heart health issues, your providers may offer this regimen since anthracyclines like doxorubicin (Adriamycin) cannot be given to people with heart problems.
You and your doctor will discuss the best chemotherapy treatment for your situation.
How TC is given
TC can be given after surgery as adjuvant therapy, or before as neoadjuvant therapy.
These chemotherapy drugs are given by vein through an intravenous (IV) line or through a port (a small, temporary, implantable device that reduces the need for repeated needle sticks). A surgeon can insert a port under the skin, usually in the chest area, during an outpatient procedure.
Both medicines are usually given together on the same day, followed by a 20-day rest period. This is one cycle. Typically, TC is given in four cycles for a total treatment period of 3 to 6 months.
Side effects and things to remember
Different medicines have different side effects. You may not have every side effect related to each medicine of the combination therapy.
It is important to know that in rare circumstances, the taxane chemotherapies docetaxel and paclitaxel (Taxol) can cause permanent hair loss. Talk with your care team about this potential side effect and what you can do to reduce the risk, including scalp cooling during chemotherapy treatment sessions.
Common side effects of TC include:
- Allergic reaction
- Increased risk of infection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Menopausal symptoms
- Nail changes
- Bladder irritation
- Eye irritation
- Increased risk of sunburn
- Bone and joint pain
- Low red and white blood cell counts
- Fatigue
- Neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands and feet)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Hand-foot syndrome
Less common side effects include:
Before starting TC, tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medicines, to make sure they won’t interfere with your chemotherapy treatment.
You should avoid becoming pregnant while you are receiving TC. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while you are undergoing treatment.
Let your care team know about any side effects you experience. They can help you manage them. You can also visit our section on side effects for more information.
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Reviewed and updated: May 14, 2026
Reviewed by: Jamie Carroll, APRN, CNP, MSN
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