Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Live Imaging to Study Microtubule Dynamic Instability in Taxane-resistant Breast Cancers
06:02

Live Imaging to Study Microtubule Dynamic Instability in Taxane-resistant Breast Cancers

Published on: February 20, 2017

Role of taxoids in head and neck cancer

D Schrijvers1, J B Vermorken

  • 1University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.

The Oncologist
|July 8, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Docetaxel and paclitaxel are novel cytotoxic drugs that promote microtubule stabilization, leading to cell death. These taxoids show significant activity in head and neck cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Docetaxel and paclitaxel are cytotoxic agents with unique mechanisms of action.
  • They function by promoting tubulin polymerization and stabilizing microtubules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the available data on docetaxel and paclitaxel in cancer treatment.
  • To discuss their mechanism of action, efficacy, and potential combinations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical and preclinical data.
  • Analysis of drug interactions and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Docetaxel and paclitaxel promote the formation of stable microtubules, disrupting mitosis and causing cell death.
  • These taxoids demonstrate activity as single agents in head and neck cancer, with response rates of 20-40%.

Conclusions:

  • Docetaxel and paclitaxel are effective cytotoxic agents targeting microtubule dynamics.
  • Their use in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy warrants further investigation for head and neck cancers.

More Related Videos

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment07:29

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Published on: April 22, 2019

Translationally-Relevant Tumor Resection Model for Murine Preclinical Models of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma07:59

Translationally-Relevant Tumor Resection Model for Murine Preclinical Models of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 3, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.