Abstract
Taxol® (paclitaxel) has been hailed by many as the most promising new cancer treatment in two decades. The FDA requires that paclitaxel intended for human consumption be obtained only from the bark ofTaxus brevifolia, the Pacific yew. As this may become increasingly uneconomical, new strategies must be explored to ensure the continued availability of taxol and related molecules. This article examines the planning that must be engaged in and the contingencies that must be prepared for in this changing arena.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Wani, M. C., Taylor, H. L., Wall, M. E., Coggon, P., and McPhail, A. T. (1971),J. Am. Chem. Soc. 93, 2325.
Richheimer, S. L., Tinnermeier, D. M., and Timmons, D. W. (1992),J. Anal. Chem. 64, 2323.
Denis, J.-N., Greene, A. E., Guenard, D., Gueritte-Voegelein, F., Mangatal, L., and Potier, P. (1988),J. Am. Chem. Soc. 110, 5917.
Gibson, D. M., Ketchum, R. E. B., Vance, N. C., and Christen, A. A. (1993),Plant Cell Rep. 12, 479.
Stierle, A., Strobel, G., and Stierle, D. (1993),Science 260, 214–216.
Manipulation of T.brevifolia Physiology in Tissue Culture, Grant No. 5 RO1 CA55138, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stull, D.P., Scales, T.A., Daughenbaugh, R. et al. Taxol® (Paclitaxel). Appl Biochem Biotechnol 54, 133–140 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02787915
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02787915