Paclitaxel is a chemotherapy medication used primarily to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. It works by inhibiting cell division, which helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. Paclitaxel is often administered intravenously and can be part of combination therapy with other cancer treatments. This drug is derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree and was first approved for medical use in the late 1990s. While effective, paclitaxel can cause side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and weakened immune function. Monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential during treatment.