Vinblastine

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Vinblastine

Vinblastine (pronounced vin-BLAS-teen) is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a member of a class of drugs known as vinca alkaloids, which are derived from the periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus).

Etymology

The name "vinblastine" is derived from Vinca, the genus name of the periwinkle plant, and -blastine, which refers to its ability to inhibit cell division (or "blast" cells).

Usage

Vinblastine is used to treat a variety of cancers, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. It works by stopping the cancer cells from separating into two new cells, thus blocking the growth of the cancer.

Side Effects

Common side effects of vinblastine include nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and hair loss. More serious side effects can include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), anemia (low red blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

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