PACLITAXEL (TAXOL(R)) - A REVIEW OF ITS ANTITUMOR-ACTIVITY IN CLINICAL-STUDIES - MINIREVIEW

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.