Microtubule Inhibitors

Question 1

vinblastine general/MOA

Answer 1

microtubule inhibitor, vinca alkaloid
derived from periwinkle plant Vinca rosea
binds tubulin, prevents polymerization

Question 2

vinblastine TU

Answer 2

used with bleomycin and cisplatin for testicular

in ABVD for Hodgkins

Question 3

vinblastine Tox

Answer 3

myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting

Question 4

vinblastine resistance

Answer 4

amplification of P-glycoprotein (ATP-dependent drug efflux pump)
tubulin mutations resulting in decreased drug binding

Question 5

vincristine general/MOA

Answer 5

microtubule inhibitor, vinca alkaloid
derived from periwinkle plant Vinca rosea
binds tubulin, prevents polymerization

Question 6

vincristine TU

Answer 6

used with glucocorticoids to treat childhood ALL

non-Hodgkin’s, in MOPP for Hodgkins

Question 7

vincristine Tox

Answer 7

dose-limiting peripheral neuropathy

relatively low bone marrow tox

Question 8

vincristine resistance

Answer 8

amplification of P-glycoprotein (ATP-dependent drug efflux pump)
tubulin mutations resulting in decreased drug binding

Question 9

paclitaxel, docetaxel general/MOA

Answer 9

microtubule inhibitors, taxanes
obtained from yew trees (bark of pacific = paclitaxel, needles of european = docetaxel)
bind tubulin, promote polymerization and stabilization, prevent depolymerization

Question 10

paclitaxel, docetaxel TU

Answer 10

both in combo regimens for breast, ovarian, lung, head and neck
docetaxel also for hormone-refractory prostate cancer

Question 11

paclitaxel, docetaxel Tox

Answer 11

peripheral neuropathy
hypersensitivity reactions
neutropenia