Paclitaxel
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![Complex of α, β tubulin subunits and paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is shown as yellow stick.](/Images/godic/202502/01/Tubulin&paclitaxel-2HXF5254.png")
![Undisturbed Pacific yew bark contains paclitaxel and related chemicals.](/Images/godic/202502/01/PacificYew_85665254.jpg")
Paclitaxel is a drug used to treat ovarian, breast, lung, pancreatic and other cancers. It and docetaxel represent the taxane family of drugs. Paclitaxel's mechanism of action involves interference with the normal breakdown of microtubules during cell division.