CLASS OF DRUG |
PLANT DERIVATION |
EXAMPLE |
TAXANES |
Yew Tree |
Paclitaxel Docetaxel |
Complex diterpenes (hydrocarbons) produced from bark extracts from the Yew tree family (Taxus).
Interfere with microtubule function. Increase microtubule stability and prevent dipolymerization which causes tubulin bundling.
Cell cycle specific - cause arrest in G2 (pre-mitotic) and M (mitotic) phases.
Paclitaxel is a radiosensitizer (arrests cells in G2/M phase - which is phase that cell is most sensitive to radiation.
Paclitaxel and docetaxel are examples.
Summary of Toxicities:
Drug |
Toxicity |
Special Considerations |
Taxanes |
Myelosuppression/neutropenia (nadir 8-11 days)
Hypersensitivity related to infusion (low blood pressure)
Neuropathy
Alopecia, myalgias, asthenia, skin and nail toxicity and fluid retention |
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