A REVIEW ON TAXANES: AN IMPORTANT GROUP OF ANTICANCER COMPOUND OBTAINED FROM TAXUS SP

Taxol is an important drug used for the treatment of various types of cancer. It is primarily obtained from Taxus brevifolia bark and has a long history of the developmental program of 50 years. It functions as a microtubule-stabilizing compound and inhibits mitosis of cancer cells, thereby providing a protective role in the treatment of cancers. In addition to it, taxol also interferes with a number of biochemical pathways and protein to bring about apoptosis and cell death. Since its inception, taxol has undergone various levels of modifications and formulations with a motive of making its action more effective. This has led to the development of Paclitaxel by Bristol-Myers Squibb for large scale commercialization. Consequently other semi-synthetic variants such as Docetaxel and Cabazitaxel were also developed for better actions. All these compounds are collectively called as Taxanes and contain a common ringed baccatin III structure in its molecule. This review is an attempt to illustrate the gradual development of anticancer taxanes from its precursor Taxol and its various pharmacological activities against the treatment of cancer. An extensive literature survey has been made to compile all the relevant information in relation to its development and pharmacological activity. Taxanes can be very well utilized in the treatment of various types of cancers. More clinical trials are a requirement of time for effective refinement of taxanes for the benefit of cancer patients.