Microtubule Inhibitors

Question 1

Name the 2 classes of microtubule inhibitors. Are they cell cycle specific?

Answer 1

Vinca alkaloids and taxanes. CCS for M phase

Question 2

Name the 2 vinca alkaloids, derived from the periwinkle plant.

Answer 2

Vinblastine and vincristine

Question 3

Name the 2 taxanes, derived from yew trees.

Answer 3

Paclitaxel and docetaxel

Question 4

To what cellular molecule do vinblastine and vincristine bind, and how do they inhibit microtubules?

Answer 4

Bind to tubulin, inhibit microtubule polymerization/assembly

Question 5

To what molecule do paclitaxel and docetaxel bind, and how do they inhibit microtubules?

Answer 5

Bind to tubulin, inhibit microtubule depolymerization/disassembly

Question 6

Which microtubule inhibitor is used to treat hematologic cancers like childhood ALL, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Answer 6

Vincristine

Question 7

Which is the only microtubule inhibitor that does not cause peripheral neuropathy?

Answer 7

Vinblastine

Question 8

Which microtubule inhibitor is used in combination regimens for testicular cancer and Hodgkin’s disease?

Answer 8

Vinblastine

Question 9

Vincristine is used in association with what other compounds to treat childhood ALL?

Answer 9

Glucocorticoids

Question 10

Which microtubule inhibitor is used to treat hormone-refractory prostate cancer?

Answer 10

Docetaxel

Question 11

What is the major side effect of using vincristine, paclitaxel, and docetaxel?

Answer 11

Peripheral neuropathy

Question 12

Which class of microtubule inhibitors can be used to treat a variety of metastatic solid tumors, including breast, ovarian, lung, and head and neck cancers?

Answer 12

The taxanes

Question 13

Which microtubule inhibitor has relatively low bone marrow toxicity?

Answer 13

Vincristine