(Paclitaxel, Taxol)

Paclitaxel, commonly known by the brand name Taxol, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including ovarian, breast, and lung cancers. It works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing, effectively stopping tumor growth. Paclitaxel stabilizes microtubules (structures inside cells), which are essential for cell division, leading to cell death. While effective, it can cause side effects like hair loss, fatigue, and nausea. Overall, Paclitaxel is a critical medication in cancer treatment, helping to reduce or eliminate tumors by targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells.