Taxane is an important anticancer drug, mainly used to treat various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and head and neck cancer. Its main mechanisms of action include:
- Inhibition of microtubule depolymerization: Taxanes can bind to tubulin, promote the polymerization of microtubules, and prevent their depolymerization, thereby interfering with the process of cell division (mitosis). This causes cells to arrest in the metaphase of mitosis and eventually induce apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Anti-tumor effect: By preventing the normal division and proliferation of cancer cells, taxanes can effectively inhibit the growth and spread of tumors.
- Angiogenesis inhibition: Taxanes can also limit the blood supply to tumors by affecting angiogenesis around tumors, thereby inhibiting the development of tumors.
