Plant Alkaloids

Question 1

Vinca Alkaloids

Answer 1

Vincristine & Vinblastine (Lymphomas), Vindesine (melanoma), Vinorelbine (Breast).

• Microtubule inhibitors, inhibiting tubule formation to cause mitotic arrest.
• Vincristine: ALL, Ewing’s, Wilms, HL/NHL
• Vinblastine: Metastatic testicular, HL/NHL

-AE: shared = phlebitis, cellulitis.
Vincristine - Potent myelotoxicity
Vinblastine - Peripheral neuropathy

Question 2

Etopside

Answer 2

• Podophylotoxin Alkaloid. Inhibit Topoisomerase II, prevents DNA replication.
• SCLC
• AE: Myelotoxicity, Alopecia

Question 3

Paclitaxel

Answer 3

• Taxanes. Binds reversibly to tubulin, promotes polymerization & microtubule formation. Cell becomes overly stable & dysfunctional -> apoptosis.
• Metastatic Breast cancer, advanced ovarian.
• AE: hypersensitivity, neutropenia (dose-limiting), peripheral neuropathy