[Pharmacological action of paclitaxel].

Paclitaxel (taxol, Tax) is a novel plant product isolated from the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia). It has a unique mechanism of action, because it induces very stable and dysfunctional microtubules. Paclitaxel has a broad spectrum of antineoplastic activity. It has been successfully used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, metastatic breast cancer, lung cancer, carcinoma of the head and neck, malignant melanoma and other human neoplasms. Tax has response rates of 20-36% in patients with refractory ovarian cancer. Toxic effects include myelosuppresion, hypersensitivity reactions, peripheral neuropathy, cardiac disturbances, alopecia. However, studies evaluating the drug still are ongoing paclitaxel seems to be one of the most promising antineoplastic agents.