Sketchy Pharm: Vincristine, Vinblastine, Paclitaxel

Question 1

How do vincristine and vinblastine work?

Answer 1

They bind beta-tubulin and prevent the formation of microtubules.

(Think of how ChRISTINE has broken the vines and is separating them from the chromosome-looking flowers.)

Question 2

The microtubule-targeting agents halt the cell in which phase?

Answer 2

M phase (specifically metaphase)

Think of the “M” made by the vines in the background.

Question 3

What are some side effects of vincristine and vinblastine?

Answer 3

• Glove-and-stocking neuropathy (Christine’s gloves and stockings)
• Paralytic ileus (monkey with plunger on outhouse)
• Alopecia (bald monkey)
• Myelosuppression (broken bones)… this happens with both but is more prominent in vinblastine

Question 4

How do the taxanes work?

Answer 4

They stabilize microtubules and prevent their depolymerization, which also inhibits mitosis.

(Think of the monkey stabilizing the vine that TArzAN is swinging from.)

Question 5

What side effects does paclitaxel cause?

Answer 5

• Alopecia (bald monkey on vine)
• Myelosuppression (broken bones)
• Glove-and-stocking neuropathy (Tarzan is holding one of Christine’s gloves.)