Docetaxel

Description

Docetaxel is a semisynthetic, secondgeneration taxane derived from a compound found in the European yew tree Taxus baccata. Docetaxel displays potent and broad antineoplastic properties; it binds to and stabilizes tubulin, thereby inhibiting microtubule disassembly which results in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and cell death. This agent also inhibits proangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF and displays immunomodulatory and proinflammatory properties by inducing various mediators of the inflammatory response. Docetaxel has been studied for use as a radiationsensitizing agent.