The TaxoidsComparative Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential

Paclitaxel and docetaxel are 2 compounds from the new taxoid class of anti-cancer agents. Both drugs are very similar in preclinical activity, mechanism of action and spectrum of clinical activity. Some subtle differences in the intracellular retention of docetaxel may account for its lack of schedule-related myelosuppression and greater potency, and may be relevant to the skin toxicity and oedema which it produces. Early data suggest that there may be differing behaviour of anthracycline/taxoid combinations with respect to cardiotoxicity.