Paclitaxel
3106
Summary
Paclitaxel and other taxanes are chemotherapeutic drugs that work by preventing breakdown of microtubules. This effect is particularly effective against rapidly dividing cells, making paclitaxel a useful tool in treating cancers. One side effect associated with microtubule inhibition is peripheral neuropathy. Other side effects seen include myelosuppression and hypersensitivity.
Key Points
- Paclitaxel / Taxanes
- Mechanism
- Blocks microtubule breakdown
- They do this by hyperstabilizing polymerized microtubules
- Occurs during the M phase of the cell cycle
- Prevents anaphase from occurring
- Toxic to rapidly-dividing cells
- Prevents anaphase from occurring
- Blocks microtubule breakdown
- Clinical Use
- Ovarian and breast cancers
- Adverse Effects
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Myelosuppression (obvious)
- Hypersensitivity
- Mechanism