.png | width = 218 | CAS_number = 57-22-7 | ATC_prefix = L01 | ATC_suffix = CA02 | ATC_supplemental = | PubChem = 5978 | DrugBank = APRD00495 | chemical_formula = C₄₆H₅₆N₄O₁₀ | molecular_weight = 824.958 g/mol | bioavailability = | protein_bound = ~75% | metabolism = hepatic | elimination_half-life = 19-155 hours | pregnancy_category = | legal_status = Rx-only | routes_of_administration = | excretion = mostly biliary, 10% in urine }} Vincristine (Oncovin®) is an alkaloid from the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus, formerly Vinca rosea and hence its name). It is used in chemotherapy.

Mode of action

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Tubulin is a structural protein which polymerises to form microtubules. The cell cytoskeleton and mitotic spindle, amongst other things, are made of microtubules. Vincristine binds to tubulin dimers causing disassembly of microtubule structures. Disruption of the microtubules arrests mitosis in metaphase. The vinca alkaloids therefore affect all rapidly dividing cell types, including cancer cells but also as intestinal epithelium and bone marrow.

Side effects

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The main side-effects of vincristine are peripheral neuropathy and constipation. The latter may require laxatives, while the former can be a reason to reduce the dose of vincristine.

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