Paclitaxel
- Generic Name
- Paclitaxel
- Brand Names
- Abraxane, Taxol, Naveruclif, Pazenir, Apexelsin
- Drug Type
- Small Molecule
- Chemical Formula
- C47H51NO14
- CAS Number
- 33069-62-4
- Unique Ingredient Identifier
- P88XT4IS4D
Overview
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent marketed under the brand name Taxol among others. Used as a treatment for various cancers, paclitaxel is a mitotic inhibitor that was first isolated in 1971 from the bark of the Pacific yew tree which contains endophytic fungi that synthesize paclitaxel. It is available as an intravenous solution for injection and the newer formulation contains albumin-bound paclitaxel marketed under the brand name Abraxane.
Background
Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent marketed under the brand name Taxol among others. Used as a treatment for various cancers, paclitaxel is a mitotic inhibitor that was first isolated in 1971 from the bark of the Pacific yew tree which contains endophytic fungi that synthesize paclitaxel. It is available as an intravenous solution for injection and the newer formulation contains albumin-bound paclitaxel marketed under the brand name Abraxane.
Indication
Used in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma and cancer of the lung, ovarian, and breast. Abraxane® is specfically indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
Associated Conditions
- Advanced Cervical Cancer
- Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
- Advanced Ovarian Cancer
- Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- Esophageal Cancer
- Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Kaposi's Sarcoma
- Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Metastatic Bladder Cancer
- Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Metastatic Melanoma
- Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Metastatic
- Peritoneal Cancer
- Recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
- Advanced Bladder cancer
- Advanced Thymoma
- Metastatic Penile cancer
- Refractory Testicular germ cell cancer
Research Report
Paclitaxel: A Comprehensive Oncological Drug Profile
1. Introduction
1.1. Paclitaxel as a Cornerstone Antineoplastic Agent
Paclitaxel is a highly influential taxoid chemotherapeutic agent, integral to modern oncology as both a first-line and subsequent therapeutic option for a spectrum of advanced carcinomas. Its most prominent applications are in the treatment of ovarian, breast, and lung cancers.[1] Beyond these, paclitaxel's therapeutic reach extends to AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma and pancreatic cancer, among other solid tumor malignancies.[1] The drug's primary anticancer activity stems from its function as a mitotic inhibitor, which critically interferes with the normal process of microtubule function during cellular division.[1]
1.2. Historical Context: Discovery and Development
The journey of paclitaxel began with its initial isolation in 1971 from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia.[1] This discovery was a product of systematic screening efforts for natural antineoplastic compounds conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) during the late 1960s and early 1970s.[2] Originally designated "taxol," this name is now primarily associated with the registered trademark Taxol®, one of its commercial formulations.[4] The conventional injectable formulation, TAXOL (paclitaxel) Injection, is derived through a semi-synthetic pathway from Taxus baccata, a more renewable yew species.[5] Further research has revealed that endophytic fungi, which live symbiotically within the Pacific yew, are also capable of synthesizing paclitaxel, suggesting potential alternative avenues for its production.[1]
Clinical Trials
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