Vinblastine
Vinblastine
Vinblastine (pronounced vin-BLAS-teen) is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a member of a class of drugs known as vinca alkaloids, which are derived from the periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus).
Etymology
The name "vinblastine" is derived from Vinca, the genus name of the periwinkle plant, and -blastine, which refers to its ability to inhibit cell division (or "blast" cells).
Usage
Vinblastine is used to treat a variety of cancers, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. It works by stopping the cancer cells from separating into two new cells, thus blocking the growth of the cancer.
Side Effects
Common side effects of vinblastine include nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and hair loss. More serious side effects can include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), anemia (low red blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
Related Terms
- Vinca alkaloids: A class of drugs that includes vinblastine, vincristine, and vinorelbine.
- Mitotic inhibitor: A type of drug that prevents cell division, which includes vinblastine and other vinca alkaloids.
- Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vinblastine
- Wikipedia's article - Vinblastine
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