The paclitaxel represents first agent from novel class of antineoplast
ic drugs-taxoids. The clinical development of paclitaxel was initially
hampered by hypersensitivity reactions. Current dosage regiments with
premedication reduced the incidence of these side effects to less tha
n 3%. The major dose-limiting adverse effect of paclitaxel is neutrope
nia Significant activities have been reported in patients with advance
d ovarian, breast, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and nec
k cancer. Combination of paclitaxel with platinum in the treatment of
patients with advanced ovarian cancer has a potential to become first-
line chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of this disease. Long-term.
follow-up will also allow to determine the effect of the drug on pati
ent survival. The promising results of this drug in the treatment of p
atients with other malignancies need to be confirmed in ongoing clinic
al studies.