From the Guidelines
Tumor growth inhibition by vinca alkaloids occurs through their ability to bind tubulin, prevent microtubule formation, and inhibit mitosis, thereby leading to apoptosis. This mechanism is supported by the study published in Blood Advances in 2019 1, which describes the vinca alkaloids' role in treating leukemia and lymphoma. The vinca alkaloids, including vincristine and vinblastine, avidly bind tubulin, preventing microtubule formation and inhibiting mitosis. This leads to apoptosis, particularly in rapidly dividing cells. Some key points about vinca alkaloids include:
- They are derived from the rose periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus)
- They have been used since 1993, primarily in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma
- Their effect in immune disorders may also be mediated by lymphocyte inhibition, and their primary mechanism in ITP is probably their ability to inhibit macrophage function and thus reduce platelet phagocytosis, as described in the study 1. The effectiveness of vinca alkaloids in inhibiting tumor growth makes them a valuable component of chemotherapy regimens for various cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, and some solid tumors.
From the FDA Drug Label
The mechanism of action of vinblastine has been related to the inhibition of microtubule formation in the mitotic spindle, resulting in an arrest of dividing cells at the metaphase stage The tumor growth inhibition by vinca alkaloids, such as vinblastine, occurs through inhibition of microtubule formation in the mitotic spindle, which results in an arrest of dividing cells at the metaphase stage 2.
- This action interferes with cell division and ultimately leads to tumor growth inhibition.
- The exact mechanism of action is not fully explained by the cytologic changes alone, but the inhibition of microtubule formation is a key factor in the antitumor effect of vinblastine sulfate.
From the Research
Tumor Growth Inhibition by Vinca Alkaloids
- Vinca alkaloids, including vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine, and vinflunine, are chemotherapeutic compounds that work by disrupting microtubule dynamics, causing mitotic arrest and cell death 3, 4.
- The mechanism of action of vinca alkaloids involves blocking the assembly of tubulin into microtubules, and interacting with preformed microtubules, causing spiral-like distortions 5.
- The disruption of microtubule dynamics by vinca alkaloids leads to the inhibition of tumor growth, making them effective agents in the treatment of hematological and lymphatic neoplasms 3, 4.
- The key issues facing vinca alkaloids applications include establishing an environment-friendly production technique and increasing bioavailability without causing harm to patient's health 3.
- Researchers have been working to improve the effectiveness of vinca alkaloids, including the development of new derivatives and the use of endophytes to produce beneficial secondary metabolites required for the biosynthesis of vinca alkaloids 3, 4.