Evaluation of potential cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of paclitaxel and docetaxel in human Burkitt lymphoma cell lines

Purpose: To study the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel and docetaxel on cell viability and apoptosis in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines.Methods: The cytotoxic activity of Paclitaxel and Docetaxel against Burkitt lymphoma cells was evaluated using the XTT cell viability test. The cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of paclitaxel and docetaxel ranging from 0.0001 to 10 mu M for 48 h. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were also assessed using flow cytometry-based experiments.Results: Both paclitaxel and docetaxel exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect with IC50 of 5.32 and 6.58 mu M, respectively. Furthermore, paclitaxel and docetaxel were shown to have a significant apoptotic effect on Burkitt lymphoma cells (p < 0.01). Furthermore, paclitaxel and docetaxel arrested Burkitt lymphoma cells at the G2/M phase.Conclusion: Paclitaxel and docetaxel are potential candidates for the treatment of Burkitt lymphoma. Since both drugs are already licensed for many indications, the addition of Burkitt lymphoma to the list of indications of these drugs would be a much easier and faster process. However, there is a need for further in vitro and in vivo research to fully elucidate their mechanisms of action.