BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Vinblastine is an anti-mitotic drug used to treat certain kinds of cancer, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and testicular cancer.

CLINICAL USE

Vinblastine is a component of a number of chemotherapy regimens, including ABVD for Hodgkin lymphoma.

It is also used to treat histiocytosis according to the established protocols of the Histiocytosis Association of America.

MODE OF ACTION

Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid and a chemical analogue of vincristine. It binds tubulin, thereby inhibiting the assembly of microtubules. It is M phase cell cycle specific since microtubules are a component of the mitotic spindle and the kinetochore which are necessary for the separation of chromosomes during anaphase of mitosis. Toxicities include bone marrow suppression (which is dose-limiting), gastrointestinal toxicity, potent vesicant (blister-forming) activity, and extravasation injury (forms deep ulcers).

STRUCTURE: