The present invention is concerned with the formation of submicron particles of an antineoplastic agent, particularly paclitaxel, by precipitating the antineoplastic agent in an aqueous medium to form a pre-suspension followed by homogenization. Surfactants with phospholipids conjugated with a water soluble or hydrophilic polymer such as PEG are used as coating for the particles. The particles produced generally have an average particle size of less than about 1000 nm and are not rapidly soluble.