Vinorelbine
Vinorelbine (Navelbine®) is a relatively new vinca alkaloid discovered in the mid-1990s by the Pierre Fabre Company. It is a semi synthetic derivative of vinblastine and like the other vinca alkaloids, it is derived from compounds produced by a species of the periwinkle plant, Vinca rosea. Vinorelbine is approved for use in non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It is administered weekly intravenously. The dosage used is based on the disease being treated, the patient's size and other drugs being used at the same time. 1
Vinca alkaloids are cell cycle specific agents that block cells in metaphase of mitosisThe portion of the cell cycle (M stage) during which a cell divides into two (usually identical) daughter cells.. The vinca alkaloids bind to tubulin monomers inhibiting the formation of microtubules, which typically assemble during mitosis. Without adequate numbers of functional microtubules, the newly replicated chromosomes can not be separated and cell division is blocked. The aborted cell division process triggers cell death, and in turn inhibits the production of proteins by DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. and RNAAlso: ribonucleic acid. RNA is a polymer comprised of the nucleotides A, C, G and U. RNA is the working form of our genetic information. RNA is produced via the process of transcription. Some RNA is used to help build ribosomes (rRNA) and some (mRNA) are used to guide the formation of proteins. Other forms of RNA are used to perform specialized functions in the nucleus..1
The side effects and toxicity of vinorelbine are generally milder than other vinca alkaloids. However, various side effects do frequently occur with treatment. Common side effects include myelosuppressionThe decreased activity of the blood cell precursors located in the bone marrow. Both red and white blood cells in the bloodstream originate from these cells which are often short-lived and are replaced constantly by rapidly dividing precursor stem cells. Chemotherapy agents, radiation and many other cancer treatments are designed to attack rapidly dividing cells and inhibit the activity of these normal bone marrow cells. Several side effects of cancer treatment, such as anemia and a decreased ability to fight infections (immunosuppression) are due to the effects of these treatments on bone marrow cells., which results in a reduced number of platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, constipation or loose stools, alopecia (hair loss), numbness in the hands or feet.1
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