Ixabepilone and other epothilones: microtubule-targeting agents for metastatic breast cancer.

摘要: Taxanes, derived from the bark of Pacific yew tree, were last major group cytotoxic agents to be developed. Their proven efficacy in a variety malignancies has constituted real breakthrough treatment cancer. Wider clinical use taxanes several important limitations, including acquired and intrinsic tumor resistance, hypersensitivity reactions, cumulative neurotoxicity hematopoietic toxicity. Epothilones, naturally occurring macrolide antibiotics that also act on microtubule, are novel class compounds may circumvent some these problems. Many synthetic semisynthetic epothilone analogs have been formulated undergone varying degrees testing. These demonstrated activity tumors, tumors cell lines resistant taxanes. So far only ixabepilone tested phase II III trials licensed by US Food Drug Administration for metastatic breast The main dose-limiting toxicity appears sensory peripheral neuropathy, as commonly seen with drugs microtubule. Further studies assessing role other settings, well investigation epothilones, eagerly awaited.