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Paclitaxel
About Paclitaxel
A chemotherapy drug derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. Paclitaxel or Taxol treats breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. It works by stabilizing microtubules, preventing cancer cells from dividing. The discovery of paclitaxel was complicated by environmental concerns about harvesting yew trees. Semi synthetic production from the needles of the European yew, and later plant cell fermentation, solved the supply problem. Paclitaxel can cause allergic reactions, hair loss, and nerve damage. It remains a cornerstone of cancer chemotherapy.
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