Paclitaxel : Biosynthesis, Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Uses

Paclitaxel is an antimitotic drug that promotes microtubule polymerization and produces sensitization to radiation. Paclitaxel is a first-line drug for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and is used to treat metastatic ovarian cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and advanced cases of Kaposi's sarcoma. In this book, the authors discuss the biosynthesis, mechanisms of action and clinical uses of paclitaxel. Topics include paclitaxel resistance and overcoming strategies with structurally or functionally related drugs; molecular mechanisms that mediate resistance to paclitaxel in cancer; the biosynthesis of paclitaxel and its pharmaceutical application for cancer treatment; current status and clinical trials of paclitaxel-containing therapy for urothelial cancer; mesenchymal stromal cells used for carrying and delivering paclitaxel; and the role of paclitaxel in ovarian cancer.