Docetaxel: An update on its molecular mechanisms, therapeutic trajectory and nanotechnology in the treatment of breast, lung and prostate cancer

Amongst the various microtubule-targeting agents, Docetaxel (DTX) has gained immense attention in cancer chemotherapy due to its good therapeutic index. DTX belongs to the class of taxane neoplastic agents, that has proven its cytotoxic potential and clinical efficacy against various malignancies such as breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer etc. It has the ability to induce polymerization of tubulin monomer and inhibit depolymerization leading to mitotic cell arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, thus causing cell death. It can also induce apoptotic cell death through the stimulation of phosphorylation of bcl-2. Though having a wide array of associated benefits, clinical application of DTX is still limited due to the accompanied side effects with it due to its non-specific targeted behavior. The review aims at providing every detailed aspect related to the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and mechanism of DTX in the treatment of breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and prostate cancer. It systemizes the recent application of various nanotechnology-based delivery systems that have been employed in the delivery of DTX for the treatment denouement of these cancers. The review also divulges information regarding the various combinations of anti-cancer agents with DTX that have been employed in the treatment of the above-mentioned cancers.