Small molecule
PubChem CID 5978
Vincristine
Oncovin
- Mechanism of action
- Microtubule inhibitor (vinca alkaloid)
- In plain language
- Stops cancer cells from dividing by breaking down the internal scaffolding they need to split into two new cells.
- How it works
- Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid that binds tubulin and inhibits microtubule assembly within the mitotic spindle, arresting proliferating cells at the metaphase stage of mitosis. It is administered intravenously, distributes rapidly into tissues, and undergoes hepatic metabolism with a long terminal half-life. It penetrates the cerebrospinal fluid poorly, so CNS relapse can occur even with effective systemic control.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated as a single agent for acute leukemia, and, in combination with other antineoplastic agents, for Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms' tumor.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Oncology
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