n. any of a group of *cytotoxic drugs formerly extracted from a species of yew tree (Taxus) but now synthesized or produced by biotechnological methods. These drugs interact with tubulin, a protein involved in cell division, and have been found to exercise control on the growth of certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian tumours. Taxanes include *docetaxel and *paclitaxel.
A group of CYTOTOXIC drugs administered intravenously for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer (see OVARIES, DISEASES OF) and secondary spread of breast cancer (see BREASTS, DISEASES OF). Given under specialist supervision in hospital, taxanes are not e?ective for all patients but results are encouraging when they do respond. Side-effects include HYPERSENSITIVITY, MYELOSUPPRESSION, cardiac ARRHYTHMIA, and peripheral NEUROPATHY. Examples of the taxanes are PACLITAXEL and DOCETAXEL.... taxanes
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