vinblastiiinivinorelbiini

Vinblastine and vinorelbine are both vinca alkaloids, a class of chemotherapy drugs derived from the periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus). They function by interfering with cell division, specifically by binding to tubulin, a protein essential for the formation of microtubules. Microtubules are critical components of the cell's cytoskeleton and play a vital role in mitosis, the process of cell replication. By disrupting microtubule assembly, these drugs halt cancer cells in their mitotic phase, ultimately leading to their death.

Vinblastine is primarily used in the treatment of lymphomas, testicular cancer, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Vinorelbine, while also a vinca alkaloid, has a slightly different spectrum of activity and is commonly employed in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Both drugs are typically administered intravenously.

Common side effects associated with vinca alkaloids include myelosuppression (a decrease in blood cell production), neurotoxicity (nerve damage), and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and constipation. Due to their mechanism of action, these drugs can also cause hair loss. Careful monitoring of blood counts and neurological function is essential during treatment.