This is a taxane originally derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree; now obtained semi synthetically from a taxane precursor derived from the needles of the European yew.

Indications: Primary treatment of advanced ovarian cancer in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin, primary adjuvant or second-line therapy of breast cancer and in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin, primary treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer; second-line treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Cautions: Premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines and a histamine H2 receptor antagonist is recommended to reduce hypersensitivity reactions; continuous cardiac monitoring should be performed in patients who have experienced previous significant conduction abnormality while receiving pacitaxel.

Contra-indications: severe hepatic impairment; patients hypersensitive to polyethoxylated castor oil which is contained in formulation.

Side effect: myelosuppression; peripheral neuropathy; cardiac conduction defects, arrhythmias; hypersensitivity reactions.