Taxol is a well-known anticancer agent worldwide. Mechanistically, it has a unique microtuble stabilizing activity, and was clinically developed as an important new therapeutic agent in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers at the National Cancer Institute, Washington D.C.. In this current book, the authors will concentrate on taxoids from their occurrence in clinical studies, including chemistry, physical methods for structure identification, structure-activity relationships, biosynthesis, plant tissue culture, pre-clinical investigation, analytical aspects, and commercial cultivation. In particular, taxoid synthesis will be explained in considerable detail. This volume includes a thorough review of the key literature, as well as data from scientists who are engaged in current taxoid research. It will be of great value to anyone wishing to gain a broad perspective on taxoid research and development.