Paclitaxel: current developmental approaches of the National Cancer Institute.

National Cancer Institute studies are addressing important issues in the development of paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ), including optimal dose and schedule, the development of combination chemotherapy and multimodality regimens, and the evaluation of paclitaxel-containing therapy as front-line and adjuvant treatment. Phase III trials are ongoing in ovary, breast, lung, and head and neck cancers. Broad phase II testing of paclitaxel is nearing completion. Recent identification of paclitaxel activity in esophageal, bladder, germ cell, and endometrial cancers and in Kaposi's sarcoma associated with the human immunodeficiency virus has provided additional areas for investigation. Promising results from initial trials provide reasons to expect further advances as investigators around the world continue to evaluate this important new drug.