docetaxel + cisplatin + doxorubicin + dacarbazine

The combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin, and dacarbazine (often abbreviated as TPAD or TADD) is an experimental chemotherapy regimen investigated for the treatment of advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas. This multi-drug cocktail combines four distinct cytotoxic mechanisms: docetaxel (a taxane) stabilizes microtubules to inhibit mitosis; cisplatin (a platinum agent) forms DNA crosslinks; doxorubicin (an anthracycline) inhibits topoisomerase II and intercalates DNA; and dacarbazine (an alkylating agent) causes DNA methylation. While clinical trials, such as Phase 2 studies in the early 2000s, demonstrated activity in aggressive sarcomas and uterine leiomyosarcomas, the regimen is associated with significant hematological toxicity, which has limited its adoption as a standard of care compared to less intensive combinations.

Other names

docetaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin, and dacarbazineTADD regimenTPAD regimen