Paclitaxel: A Chemotherapeutic with Natural Origins

Although therapeutics used in the treatment of cancer may seem synthetic and artificial, one particular product offered by Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals originated from Mother Nature.

Softaxel(Paclitaxel Injection)30mg,100 mg & 260 mg

 http://www.tajaccura.com/product/paclitaxel-lyophilised-injection/

Facts about Paclitaxel:

• It is an antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of ovarian, breast and lung cancer
• Its natural origins initially extracted from the bark of the Pacific Yew plant, which grows in Northwest America
• Its mechanism of action prevents cell division by binding to the cell’s “skeleton”, which eventually leads to cell death
• Following huge demand, for economical development and in fear of endangering the limited botanical species, this medicine is now created from a semi synthetic pathway, where extracts from other cultivated Yew plants are structurally modified prior to formulation

Paclitaxel is indicated according to the UK guideline body NICE as a second line agent for women with ovarian cancer with platinum resistance/allergy, or as a subsequent therapy to an agent such as carboplatin. Traditionally, paclitaxel was administered as a 24 hour infusion with prior pre-treatment with corticosteroids, antihistamines and H2 receptor antagonists. In a recent Cochrane Review 2011, early studies have shown that a shorter infusion time of 3 hours with the same dose was linked to less adverse effects and severe toxicity.

Conclusion:
Paclitaxel manufactured by Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals is available in 150 mg/25 mL and 300 mg/50 mL injectable dosage forms, as the generic equivalent of Onxol and Taxol. A lyophilised injection formulation is also available, in 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg doses.
Ref: Williams C., Byrant A. ‘Short versus long duration infusions of paclitaxel for any advanced adenocarcinoma’ Cochrane Database Syst Review. 2011; Issue 5