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

It is a chemical analogue of Vincristine (Vinca Alkaloids). It binds tubulin and there by inhibiting the assembly of microtubles. It is G1-S phase cell cycle specific. Toxicities include myelosupression (dose limiting), GI toxicity, a potent vesicant (blister forming), and extravation injury (forms deep ulcers).

It was first discovered by Robert Noble and Charles Thomas Beer from examining the Madagascar periwinkle plant. Vinblastine was first discovered as a useful drug when it was crushed into a tea. The person who drank it had fewer white blood cells. Now, vinblastine is used to lessen immature white blood cells in a patient.

Vinblastine is used to treat Histiocytosis according to the estabilished protocols of the Histiocytosis Association of America

Vinblastine paracrystals may be comprised of tightly-packed unpolymerized tubulin or microtubules .

See also

• Rosy Periwinkle

Chemotherapeutic agents

Vinblastin | Vinblastine | Vinblastina | Winblastyna