Which of the following is NOT a common alkylating agent?

Paclitaxel is classified as a taxane and functions primarily as a mitotic inhibitor rather than an alkylating agent. Alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and bendamustine, work by adding alkyl groups to the DNA of cancer cells, which interferes with DNA replication and leads to cell death. These mechanisms make them effective in treating various types of cancers.

Cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide are both well-known alkylating agents that cross-link DNA strands, making it impossible for the cell to divide. Bendamustine is also an alkylating agent with unique properties that allow it to induce cell apoptosis and modulate the immune response.

In contrast, paclitaxel operates by stabilizing microtubules and preventing their depolymerization during cell division, which halts the mitotic process. This distinction in mechanism of action clarifies why it is not considered a common alkylating agent.