NEW MICROTUBULAR AGENTS IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY

The taxanes are a new group of anticancer agents with a novel mechanis m of action. They promote microtubule assembly and stabilize the micro tubules. Paclitaxel (Taxol), the first agent in this group in clinical trials was isolated from the Pacific yew, Tarts brevifolia in 1971. B oth in preclinical and clinical studies, paclitaxel and its semisynthe tic analog docetaxel exhibit significant antitumor activity. This revi ew will provide an overview of the clinical experience with the group of anti-microtubular agents, the taxanes in pediatric oncology.