Overview of paclitaxel (Taxol) Journal Article

  


Authors: Grossano, D.; Nolte, M. J.
Article Title: Overview of paclitaxel (Taxol)
Abstract: Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a natural product derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree with a mechanism of action unique from other commercially available antineoplastic drugs. Paclitaxel promotes the assembly of microtubules and then exerts its cytotoxicity by preventing their disassembly at the time of mitosis. The Food and Drug Administration has approved paclitaxel for the treatment of refractory ovarian cancer, and the drug is awaiting final approval for refractory breast cancer. The most frequent side effect of paclitaxel is a hypersensitivity reaction, which requires premedication with steroids and antihistamines. Bone marrow suppression, alopecia, neuropathy, and bradycardia are also frequently observed side effects. Special procedures are necessary for the preparation of paclitaxel due to its formulation, which contains Cremophor EL. Docetaxel is an investigational taxane derivative with a mechanism of action similar to paclitaxel. It has shown significant activity in nonsmall cell lung and in breast and ovarian cancer. The place in therapy of paclitaxel and docetaxel, alone and in combination chemotherapy programs, will have to be determined by ongoing investigations.
Keywords: clinical trial; review; cisplatin; doxorubicin; paclitaxel; edema; melanoma; ovary cancer; phase 2 clinical trial; breast cancer; anemia; bone marrow suppression; gastrointestinal symptom; mucosa inflammation; neuropathy; myalgia; lung cancer; cyclophosphamide; dexamethasone; melphalan; vincristine; bradycardia; digoxin; vinblastine; docetaxel; arthralgia; bilirubin; ondansetron; mitomycin c; platinum derivative; phase 1 clinical trial; drug cytotoxicity; drug half life; recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor; tubulin; microtubule; alopecia; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; calcium channel blocking agent; diuretic agent; hypersensitivity reaction; intravenous drug administration; cytochrome p450; cross resistance; oral drug administration; drug elimination; diphenhydramine; cimetidine; amitriptyline; cremophor; human
Journal Title: Hospital Pharmacy
Volume: 29
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0018-5787
Publisher: Sage Publications  
Date Published: 1994-11-01
Start Page: 545
End Page: 546, 548-549, 560
Language: English
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0028225338&partnerID=40&md5=cac3428d9896aba8a6e9987f0a62efbd
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 1 February 2019 -- Source: Scopus