The Sound of Evolution
Docetaxel
Mechanism of action:
Docetaxel is a semisynthetic taxane derivative derived from the natural precursor 10-deacetylbaccatin III from Taxus baccata. Docetaxel binds with high affinity to β-tubulin and promotes the polymerization of free tubulin into microtubules. By stabilizing microtubule structure, it prevents their normal depolymerization and disrupts their dynamic reorganization. During cell division, the mitotic spindle is composed mainly of microtubules. The action of docetaxel prevents proper spindle formation, causing cells to arrest in metaphase and ultimately triggering apoptosis.
Reference(s):
1. Kenmotsu H et al. (2015). Pharmacokinetics, dynamics and toxicity of docetaxel: Why the Japanese dose differs from the Western dose. Cancer Sci.
2. Hendrikx JJ et al. (2013). Quantification of docetaxel and its metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom.