Pharmacology · Class
Microtubule inhibitors !
Cancer drugs that jam the mitotic spindle: vinca alkaloids stop microtubules forming, taxanes freeze them. Either way the cell stalls in mitosis.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
Two families that bind β-tubulin at different sites. Vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine) prevent tubulin from polymerising; taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel) stabilise microtubules and stop them from breaking down. Both arrest cells in metaphase (M phase).
Mechanism of action
Microtubules must grow and shrink constantly to pull chromosomes apart. Vinca alkaloids bind tubulin dimers and block assembly, so the spindle never forms. Taxanes bind the assembled microtubule and lock it, producing rigid bundles. With a non-working spindle the cell cannot finish mitosis and dies. Microtubules also carry cargo along nerve axons, which is why neuropathy is a class effect.
Target: β-tubulin (microtubules)
Drugs in this class
- VincristineVinca alkaloid that blocks the mitotic spindle. Key in childhood leukaemia and lymphoma; it injures nerves, spares the…β-tubulin (vinca site, at the junction between tubulin dimers)
- PaclitaxelA taxane that freezes microtubules so cells cannot divide. Used in ovarian, breast and lung cancer; premedication is…β-tubulin (taxane site, inside the microtubule)
- DocetaxelA semisynthetic taxane used in breast, lung, prostate, gastric and head and neck cancer. Neutropenia and fluid…β-tubulin (taxane site, inside the microtubule)
- VinblastineA vinca alkaloid used in Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer. Unlike vincristine, its main toxicity is low white…β-tubulin (vinca site, at the junction between tubulin dimers)
- VinorelbineA vinca alkaloid for non-small cell lung cancer. Neutropenia limits its dose; constipation and ileus are the bowel…β-tubulin (vinca site, at the junction between tubulin dimers)
Others in the class
- cabazitaxel
- eribulin
- ixabepilone
- vindesine
- vinflunine
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
How do vinca alkaloids and taxanes differ in their effect on microtubules?
Vinca alkaloids prevent microtubules from assembling; taxanes stabilise them and prevent disassembly. Both stop mitosis.
Which vinca alkaloid causes the most neurotoxicity and the least marrow suppression?
Vincristine.
Why do patients receive corticosteroids and antihistamines before paclitaxel?
To reduce severe hypersensitivity reactions, linked mainly to the polyoxyl castor oil solvent.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - VINCRISTINE SULFATE injection, solution (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - PACLITAXEL injection, solution (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - DOCETAXEL injection, solution, concentrate (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 70 (McGraw Hill, 2023).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.