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paclitaxel

✓ Approved

Shanghai Yizhong Pharmaceutical · EGFR · Small Molecule

What is paclitaxel?

paclitaxel is a small molecule developed by Shanghai Yizhong Pharmaceutical. It is approved for therapeutic indications via injectable (others) or intravenous (iv).

Drug Profile

CompanyShanghai Yizhong Pharmaceutical
Drug ClassSmall Molecule, Monoclonal Antibodies, Antibody
Molecular TargetEGFR, ERBB2, TUBB
RouteInjectable (Others), Intravenous (IV)
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Shanghai Yizhong Pharmaceutical

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

paclitaxel acts on 3 molecular targets:

EGFRepidermal growth factor receptor (ERBB1, NNCIS)
ERBB2erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER-2, c-ERB-2)
TUBBtubulin beta class I (TUBB1, CSCSC1)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

paclitaxel is developed for 5 unique indications across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)Non-small cell lung cancer stage IV✓ Approved
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)Non-small cell lung cancer metastatic✓ Approved
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)Breast cancerPhase III
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)Rectosigmoid cancerPhase I
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)Pancreatic carcinomaPreclinical

Related Research Articles

PubMedNEJM evidence2026-08-25

Induction Paclitaxel-Cisplatin-Capecitabine for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Li Wang-Zhong WZ, Lv Shu-Hui SH, He Shui-Qing SQ, Lv Xing X et al.

We previously reported higher failure-free survival (FFS) with induction paclitaxel, cisplatin, and capecitabine (TPC) compared with cisplatin and fluorouracil (PF) in high-risk locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). We now report 5-year FFS, with prespecified secondary outcomes. In this multicenter, randomized trial, patients with high-risk LA-NPC (T4N0-2M0 or TanyN3M0) received two 21-day cycles of induction chemotherapy with TPC or PF, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The primary endpoint was FFS; secondary endpoints included distant metastasis-free, locoregional relapse-free, and overall survival (OS), tumor response, and safety. Among 238 patients (TPC, n=118; PF, n=120), with median follow-up of 89.1 months, 5-year FFS was 77.6% in the TPC group and 62.9% in the PF group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.82). At 5 years, distant metastasis-free survival was 87.8% in the TPC group and 78.8% in the PF group (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28-0.95); locoregional relapse-free survival was 92.0% and 82.1%, respectively (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21-0.88); and OS was 89.6% and 82.2%, respectively (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95). Among patients with pretreatment Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA <3000 copies/ml, 5-year OS was 92.3% in the TPC group and 84.4% in the PF group. Among those with higher EBV DNA levels, rates were 84.2% in TPC group and 81.1% in PF group. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 68 patients (57.6%) receiving TPC and 79 patients (65.8%) receiving PF. Treatment adherence was similar in the two groups. Among patients with high-risk LA-NPC, TPC induction chemotherapy was associated with higher 5-year FFS than PF. (Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02940925.).

PMID 42640170
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PubMedFrontiers in oncology2026-08-25

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer with SMARCA4 deficiency: a case report.

Chai Jingjing J, Gong Yingying Y, Gong Li L, Wang Lurun L et al.

SMARCA4-deficient non-small cell lung cancer (SMARCA4-dNSCLC) is an uncommon malignant epithelial neoplasm originating in the lung, characterized by poorly differentiated and highly invasive pathological features, and associated with a poor prognosis. Currently, there is no standardized treatment protocol for SMARCA4-dNSCLC, as it generally exhibits a poor response to conventional chemotherapy regimens. Furthermore, the absence of typical driver gene mutations in lung cancer renders it insensitive to targeted therapies. We report the case of a 49-year-old Asian male patient with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer exhibiting SMARCA4 deficiency, who demonstrated a rapid response following treatment with a combination of nab-Paclitaxel, cisplatin, and bevacizumab. However, the patient ultimately experienced treatment failure due to disease progression from brain metastases, resulting in an overall survival (OS) of approximately 12 months. This case demonstrates the complicated clinical features of SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer, enriches the limited relevant clinical literature, and provides supplementary clinical data for this rare tumor subtype. While patients with SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer may benefit from chemotherapy combined with anti-angiogenic targeted therapy, the overall prognosis remains poor.

PMID 42638861
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PubMedCase reports in gastroenterology2026-08-25

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy after Plasmapheresis in Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report.

Uehara Yoshihiro Y, Satoh Tatsunori T, Kawaguchi Shinya S, Asahina Eri E et al.

Persistent jaundice may occasionally occur even after technically successful biliary drainage, posing a considerable challenge in patients requiring early systemic therapy. In borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BR-PC), timely initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is critical for optimizing treatment outcomes, but hyperbilirubinemia often delays therapy. Although plasmapheresis has been reported as a potential option for refractory hyperbilirubinemia, its use for facilitating initiation of NAC in BR-PC has not been well described. We present a case of a 65-year-old man with BR-PC who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage with metallic stent placement. Despite successful drainage, his serum bilirubin concentrations remained markedly elevated, preventing initiation of NAC. Plasmapheresis was performed, which resulted in a steady decline in bilirubin concentrations and allowed NAC with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel to begin 21 days after plasmapheresis. There was no recurrence of jaundice during treatment, NAC was completed without interruption, and pancreaticoduodenectomy was subsequently performed. This case highlights the potential role of plasmapheresis as an adjunctive strategy in managing persistent jaundice following biliary drainage, particularly when early induction of chemotherapy is required in patients with BR-PC.

PMID 42639631
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PubMedFrontiers in plant science2026-08-25

Recent advances in Taxus molecular research: applications in genetic diversity, gene function and metabolic engineering.

Jiang Yan Y, Zhang Lingxiao L, Ma Huijie H, Fang Zijin Z et al.

Plants belonging to the genus Taxus are abundant in pharmacologically active constituents, notably Taxol (paclitaxel), which has been extensively employed in the treatment of various cancers. This review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the roles of omics technologies in exploring genetic diversity, molecular identification, functional genes, and Taxol biosynthesis within the Taxus genus. Molecular markers derived from chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear genomes, such as microsatellites, have been developed to assess genetic variability, spatial distribution, varietal differentiation, kinship structures, and fluctuations in inbreeding levels among Taxus populations. Functional gene identification guided by omics approaches has elucidated several critical genes implicated in the Taxol biosynthetic pathway, including FoTO1, T1OH, T9αOH, T9α oxidase, C4β-C20 epoxidase, and Taxane Oxetanase 1 (TOT1)/CYP725A55/TmCYP1. Expression profiling aids in screening candidate genes related to Taxol biosynthesis, defense response, and growth and development process. Current advancements in omics technologies primarily focus on enhancing resolution, improving data visualization, and integrating multi-omics datasets. Looking forward, innovations such as telomere-to-telomere genome sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and comparative genomics are anticipated to inaugurate a new epoch in omics research pertaining to Taxus. Our review aims to accelerate the efficient utilization of these endangered gymnosperms.

PMID 42639477
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PubMedACS nano medicine2026-08-25

In Vivo Multimodal Self-Immolative Prodrug Nanomicelle-Hydrogel Modulate Key Intratumoral and Metastatic Genomic Signaling Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer.

Ravasco João M J M JMJM, Oliveira Jhenifer J, Conniot João J, Mendes Bárbara B BB et al.

To address the critical challenge of high-lethality pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and poor response to conventional chemotherapies, this study introduces a self-immolative micelle encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX) or gemcitabine (GEM), two frontline chemotherapeutic agents. These chemotherapeutic agents present a 2.3-fold reduction for GEM and a 61.7-fold reduction for PTX in IC50 values when conjugated to the micelle system, compared to their free drug counterparts. Through longitudinal bioluminescence imaging, we observed a significant reduction in peritoneal tumor implants versus metastatic tumor deposits growth and a decrease in metastatic spread in the GEM- and GEM+PTX-micelle (micelle@GEM and micelle@GEM+PTX)-treated groups compared with the free drug formulations. Gene expression analysis of treated tumors revealed interesting oncogenic pathways, including PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling, suggesting a targeted action at the molecular level. Our results identified the dual roles of PSMA1 and UBE2C as poor prognostic markers of pancreatic cancer progression and as candidate genes of interest, with key roles in the ubiquitination and proteasome degradation pathways in the pathophysiology of the disease. These data suggest that encapsulation of PTX and GEM in these micelles embedded within a hydrogel could alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these agents, thereby modulating their interactions with cellular targets. Such targeted approaches could transform the treatment of pancreatic cancer by providing tailored therapies based on the unique genomic landscape of an individual's tumor, thus optimizing the clinical outcomes.

PMID 42639086
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PubMedFrontiers in pharmacology2026-08-25

Life-threatening anaphylactic shock induced by cadonilimab (AK104), a PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody: a case report.

Zheng Zhiming Z, Li Jianrong J, Huang Qiang Q

This case report describes a 51-year-old woman with recurrent cervical squamous cell carcinoma who developed acute anaphylactic shock within 5-10 min of initiating intravenous cadonilimab infusion. The physician's order was placed at 16:04; however, the actual bedside infusion was initiated at approximately 20:00 without routine premedication. Five minutes after infusion start, she presented with pruritus and multiple erythematous maculopapular rashes over the trunk, followed by dyspnea, generalized flushing, profound hypotension (68/40 mmHg), oxygen desaturation (SpO2 82%), and altered consciousness. The infusion was immediately discontinued. Emergency treatment included subcutaneous epinephrine 0.5 mg, intramuscular diphenhydramine 20 mg, intravenous dexamethasone 10 mg, aggressive fluid resuscitation, and supplemental oxygen. Because refractory hypotension persisted, intravenous norepinephrine (4 mg via continuous pump) was initiated and maintained for approximately 72 h. Hemodynamic stability was restored within 45 min. Comprehensive evaluation excluded infection, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary embolism, and cytokine release syndrome. The event fulfilled World Allergy Organization diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis and was graded as Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 Grade 4. Causality assessment using the Naranjo scale yielded a score of 6, indicating a probable adverse drug reaction. The patient had a documented prior hypersensitivity to paclitaxel but no prior exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Rechallenge was not attempted. Cadonilimab may rarely cause rapid-onset, life-threatening anaphylactic shock during the first infusion. Careful monitoring, immediate access to emergency management-including vasopressor support-and heightened awareness of bispecific antibody-associated hypersensitivity are essential.

PMID 42638983
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