Encyclopedia of Cancer

2011 Edition
| Editors: Manfred Schwab

Vinca Alkaloids

Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-16483-5_6187

Definition

A class of chemotherapeutic drugs that disrupts  mitosis by binding to  tubulin, thus preventing  microtubules from forming. These are also known as anti-mitotic, antimicrotubule agents, or mitosis inhibitors. Common vinca alkaloids include  vinblastine,  vincristine, vindesine, and  vinorelbine.

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011