Paclitaxel Anti-Cancer Therapeutics: From Discovery to Clinical Use

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a valuable natural product derived from Taxus species. It can pass through nanopores in the microtubule wall and interact with tubulin on the lumen surface of microtubules, disrupting microtubule dynamics and triggering cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Due to its low toxicity, high efficiency, and broad-spectrum application, PTX and its derivatives have been approved for treating various diseases. The widespread success of PTX, along with its expanding applications, has led to high demand, making accessibility a significant concern. As a result, researchers worldwide have focused on developing alternative methods to produce PTX and applying nanocarriers in PTX delivery systems to enhance bioavailability. This review highlights the challenges and progress in PTX sourcing, production, physicochemical properties, anti-cancer mechanisms, clinical applications, trials, and chemo-immunotherapy. It aims to provide a valuable reference for the rational development and effective utilization of PTX.