The mechanism by which Taxol, the first blockbuster drug to treat breast and ovarian cancer, slows tumor growth

Institution:

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Researchers:

Susan Horwitz, PhD, distinguished professor molecular pharmacology and the Rose C. Falkenstein Chair in Cancer Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Impact:

In December 1992, the FDA approved Taxol for the treatment for ovarian cancer. Researchers also tested the effectiveness of Taxol as a treatment for advanced breast cancer. Subsequent clinical trials found that the drug was effective against this disease, and, in 1994, the FDA approved Taxol for use

Timeline:

Research began in 1977.