Microtubule inhibitors

Question 1

Vinblastine

Answer 1

Class: Vinca Alkaloids

Mechanism of action: bind tubulin and block ability to polymerize

Therapeutic uses: Testicular (with bleomycin and cisplatin), Hodgkin’s (ABVD: doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine)

Toxicity: Myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting

Question 2

Vincristine

Answer 2

Class: Vinca Alkaloids

Mechanism of action: binds tubulin and blocks the ability to polymerize.

Therapeutic uses: ALL (in combo with glucocorticoids), Lymphomas (both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkins)

Toxicity: DOSE-LIMITING NEUROTOXICITY (PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY)
Low bone marrow toxicity

Question 3

Paclitaxel

Answer 3

Class: Taxanes

Mechanism of Action: Bind to tubulin and promote polymerization and stabilization of microtubules and therefore will prevent the depolymerization of microtubules which is necessary during mitosis.

Therapeutic uses: Metastatic breast, ovarian, lung, head and neck

Toxicity: PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Neutropenia, Hypersensitivity reactions

Question 4

Docetaxel

Answer 4

Class: Taxanes

Mechanism of Action: Bind to tubulin and promote polymerization and stabilization of microtubules and therefore will prevent the depolymerization of microtubules which is necessary during mitosis.

Therapeutic uses: Metastatic breast, ovarian, lung, head and neck, and hormone refractory prostate cancer

Toxicity: PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Neutropenia, Hypersensitivity reactions