Open AccessRole of Taxoids in Head and Neck Cancer
Author(s) -
Schrijvers D.,
Vermorken J.B.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.5-3-199
Subject(s) - paclitaxel , docetaxel , microtubule , medicine , cytotoxic t cell , head and neck cancer , radiation therapy , mechanism of action , microtubule polymerization , cancer research , mitosis , cancer , head and neck , cancer cell , tubulin , oncology , pharmacology , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , in vitro , biology , surgery
Docetaxel and paclitaxel represent a new class of cytotoxic agents having both a specific chemical structure and mechanism of action. They act to promote tubulin polymerization and the formation of stable microtubules. The microtubules produced in the presence of taxoids are resistant to disassembly by physiologic stimuli, and cells exposed to these agents exhibit an accumulation of disorganized microtubule arrays. This affects the normal mitotic process and eventually results in cell death. Both drugs are active as single agents in patients with head and neck cancer with response rates ranging from 20% to 40%. They may be combined with other cytotoxic agents, radiotherapy, or both. A review is given of the presently available data.