Described herein are nanoparticle compositions comprising binding agents, carrier proteins and an amount of paclitaxel derivative, and optionally a therapeutic agent. Also described herein are nanoparticle compositions comprising carrier proteins and an amount of paclitaxel, and optionally binding agents and/or a therapeutic agent, wherein the paclitaxel is present in an amount that is less than an amount that provides a therapeutic effect. Also disclosed herein are nanoparticles which contain (a) carrier protein, (b) a paclitaxel derivative, the paclitaxel derivative having reduced toxicity compared to paclitaxel, and optionally (c) a binding agent and/or (d) a therapeutic agent. Also described are methods of making and using the same, in particular, as a cancer therapeutic.