paclitaxel

English

Etymology

From Taxus brevifolia + Latin (brevifo)li(a) + -taxel (alteration of taxol).

Pronunciation

Noun

paclitaxel (uncountable)

  1. (pharmacology) A taxane antineoplastic drug C47H51NO14 originally isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew, Taxus brevifolia, but now typically derived as a semisynthetic product of the English yew; it interferes with microtubule function and inhibits cell division, and is used in the treatment of some cancers, especially those of the breast and ovary.

Derived terms

  • paclitaxel ceribate
  • paclitaxel poliglumex
  • paclitaxel trevatide
  • -taxel (antineoplastic)

References

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