A form of the anticancer drug paclitaxel that is contained in very tiny, fat-like particles. It may have fewer side effects and work better than paclitaxel. It is being studied in the treatment of several types of cancer. Paclitaxel liposome blocks the ability of cells to divide and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of mitotic inhibitor and a type of antimicrotubule agent.

A liposome-encapsulated formulation of paclitaxel, a taxoid compound extracted from the Pacific yew tree Taxus brevifolia, with antineoplastic property. Paclitaxel binds to tubulin and interferes with the assembly/disassembly dynamics of microtubules, thereby resulting in the inhibition of cell division. This agent also induces apoptosis via inactivation of the apoptosis inhibitor, B-cell Leukemia 2 (Bcl-2) protein. Paclitaxel liposome formulation potentially enhances delivery of higher doses of paclitaxel to the target tissues and exhibits lower systemic toxicity.