Paper II
2014 March (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Vinca alkaloids

Q63 marksShort Notes

Answer

Vinca alkaloids are plant-derived (Vinca rosea) anticancer drugs.

Examples

  • Vincristine, Vinblastine, Vinorelbine

Mechanism of action

  • Bind to tubulin and inhibit microtubule polymerization
  • Prevent mitotic spindle formation → arrest cell division in metaphase (M-phase specific)

Uses

  • Vincristine: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, lymphomas (part of combination regimens, e.g., ABVD, CHOP)
  • Vinblastine: Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer

Adverse effects

  • Vincristine: peripheral neuropathy (dose-limiting), constipation/paralytic ileus; relatively less myelosuppressive
  • Vinblastine: myelosuppression (more than vincristine), less neurotoxic
  • Both: alopecia; vesicant — extravasation causes severe local tissue necrosis

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