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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

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Long-term Live-cell Imaging to Assess Cell Fate in Response to Paclitaxel
Published on: May 14, 2018
Paclitaxel in breast cancer
Debra Patt1, Michelle Gauthier, Sharon Giordano
1MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd-10, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Women'S Health (London, England)
|October 7, 2009
Summary
Paclitaxel, a key chemotherapy drug, is vital for treating metastatic breast cancer and node-positive breast cancer. This review covers its pharmacology, efficacy, and safety in breast cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Paclitaxel, derived from the Pacific yew tree, is a cornerstone chemotherapy agent.
- Approved in 1994, it remains crucial for metastatic breast cancer management.
- Current approvals include adjuvant treatment for node-positive breast cancer and metastatic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology of paclitaxel.
- To summarize clinical efficacy data for paclitaxel in breast cancer.
- To assess the safety profile of paclitaxel for breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacological data.
- Analysis of clinical trial data on efficacy.
- Compilation of safety and adverse event reports.
Main Results:
- Paclitaxel demonstrates significant efficacy in metastatic breast cancer.
- It is effective in adjuvant settings post-doxorubicin or for relapsed disease.
- Established safety profile with manageable side effects.
Conclusions:
- Paclitaxel is an indispensable chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer.
- Its review confirms its established role in various treatment settings.
- Understanding its pharmacology, efficacy, and safety is critical for patient care.
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