Taxanes are a class of chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. They work by disrupting the normal function of microtubules, which are essential for cell division. This disruption prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing, ultimately leading to their death. The most well-known taxanes include paclitaxel and docetaxel. These medications are often administered intravenously and can be part of combination therapy with other cancer treatments. While effective, they may also cause side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and weakened immune response.