Taxol
Taxol
Taxol (pronounced: /ˈtæksɔːl/), also known as paclitaxel, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, cervical cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It is given by injection into a vein.
Etymology
The term "Taxol" comes from the scientific name of the tree it was first isolated from, Taxus brevifolia, commonly known as the Pacific yew. The suffix "-ol" is a common ending for alcohols in organic chemistry.
Usage
Taxol works by interfering with normal microtubule breakdown during cell division. It binds to microtubules and prevents their disassembly, which inhibits cell division and thus slows or stops the growth of cancer cells.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Taxol include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, joint pain, and increased risk of infection. Severe side effects may include allergic reactions, blood clots, and neuropathy.
Related Terms
- Chemotherapy: The use of any drug to treat any disease. But most commonly, it refers to drugs used for cancer treatment.
- Microtubule: A microscopic cellular structure that is involved in many cellular processes, including shape determination, cell division, and intracellular transport.
- Neuropathy: A term that refers to general diseases or malfunctions of the nerves.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Taxol
- Wikipedia's article - Taxol
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