The taxanes are a widely used class of chemotherapy drugs. They were first derived from, and are named after, plants of the genus Taxus (yews); some are now also synthesized artificially. Its members include paclitaxel and docetaxel. Paclitaxel was originally derived from the Pacific yew tree.

The principal mechanism of the taxane class is inhibition of microtubule function. Microtubules are essential to cell division, and taxanes therefore stop cells from properly dividing. Taxanes are also felt to be radiosensitizing.

Chemotherapeutic agents

Taxane | Taxane