The clinical development of paclitaxel: a successful collaboration of academia, industry and the National Cancer Institute

Abstract

The successful development of paclitaxel as an important new antineoplastic agent with the potential to have an impact on a number of human cancers was possible as a result of significant contributions from individuals and groups with diverse areas of interest and expertise. The advancement of paclitaxel through the preclinical and clinical evaluation which ultimately led to its approval, as well as surmounting the regulatory hurdles which were faced required the close collaboration of individual investigators at academic institutions, the pharmaceutical industry (Bristol-Myers Squibb) and the National Cancer Institute. The latter stages of this developmental effort can be viewed as a prime example of the potential of the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) mechanism to bring novel therapies to patients with serious illnesses in a timely fashion. It is also tangible evidence of the vision and perseverance of a number of members of the Division of Cancer Treatment (DCT) under the direction of Dr. Bruce Chabner, in whose honor this symposium is given.