Recent advances in design, synthesis and bioactivity of paclitaxel-mimics

Taxane-type anticancer drugs, including paclitaxel and its semi-synthetic derivatives docetaxel and cabazitaxel, are widely applied to chemotherapy of malignancy like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and prostate cancer. However, their clinical applications are generally limited by scarce natural resources, various side effects and multidrug resistance. Therefore, it is significant to develop paclitaxel-mimics with simplified structure, fewer side effects and improved pharmaceutical properties. Based on our investigation on chemistry of paclitaxel, the current review summarized the most recent advances in the design, synthesis and biological activities of paclitaxel-mimics, which could be appealing to researchers in the field of medicinal chemistry and oncology. Meanwhile, smart design, interesting synthesis and potential bioactivities of these novel compounds may also provide valuable reference for the wider scientific communities.