Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel belongs to the group of taxanes together with Docetaxel. It is marked by a powerful anticancer activity. This natural product, found as part of a National Cancer Institute program in 1962 aiming at identifying natural active compounds to potentially treat cancer, is a cell division inhibitor that finds place in diverse chemotherapeutic regimens. The clinical targets of Paclitaxel are still growing day by day, but it is mainly used to treat metastatic carcinoma of the ovary, non-small cell lung carcinoma, metastatic breast cancer and also AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. This anti-microtubule agent puts a stop on the normal dynamic reorganization of the microtubule structure which is fundamental for mitotic cellular functions. It is currently being investigated as a potential agent in diseases where it is requested to stabilize the microtubules network and to avoid the angiogenesis and cell proliferation (i.e. psoriasis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease).