Final answer:
Vincristine and vinblastine are mitotic disrupters that bind to tubulin, blocking cell division and leading to cell death. Vincristine is used to treat leukemia and various tumors, with neurotoxicity being its primary toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Uses, and Toxicities of Vincristine and Vinblastine
Vincristine and vinblastine are chemotherapy drugs classified as mitotic disrupters. They exert their anticancer effects by binding to tubulin, the subunit of microtubules, thus preventing the proper assembly and disassembly of microtubules.
This action disrupts the mitotic spindle, which is crucial for cell division, leading to cell cycle arrest and ultimately, cell death.
Vincristine, marketed as Oncovin®, is widely used to treat various cancers, including acute leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and solid tumors such as Wilms' tumor.
Common toxicities associated with vincristine include neurotoxicity, which can manifest as peripheral neuropathy, and less commonly, autonomic neuropathy and central nervous system changes.
Vinblastine, sold as Velban®, is used to treat malignancies like Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, and some non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Its notable toxicities include myelosuppression, particularly neutropenia, which can increase the risk of infections.
It is less neurotoxic compared to vincristine. Both drugs may cause other side effects such as alopecia, constipation, and vesicant properties, leading to tissue damage if extravasated.