A Review on Vinca Alkaloids in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Cultivation and Future Prospects

Priti Bhure, Rajashri Wagh, Trupti Bankar, Shital Karhale, Vikram Saruk, Manoj Garad,

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17239644

Review Paper | Open Access
Volume 02 | Issue 10 | Article Id IJSRT/250309032

A Review on Vinca Alkaloids in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Cultivation and Future Prospects
Priti Bhure* Rajashri Wagh Trupti Bankar Shital Karhale Vikram Saruk Manoj Garad
Jagdamba Education Society’s SND College of Pharmacy, Yeola, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading global health burden, responsible for millions of deaths annually. Therapeutic strategies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and pharmacological agents are widely utilised. Among the chemotherapeutic agents, The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) serves as a natural source of vinca alkaloids, a group of compounds widely recognized for their therapeutic applications. They have gained prominence due to their potent cytotoxic and hypoglycemic properties. Traditionally used for managing hypertension and diabetes, these alkaloids are now critically important in oncology. The four principal vinca alkaloids used in clinical settings include vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, and vindesine. Additionally, vinflunine, a synthetic analogue, has been approved in Europe for treating advanced transitional cell carcinoma. This review presents an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological potential, extraction methods, clinical relevance, and recent advances in the therapeutic use of vinca alkaloids. By exploring both traditional uses and contemporary research findings, this article aims to support the integration of these plant-based compounds into cost-effective cancer treatment strategies.

Keywords

Alkaloids, Vinca, Catharanthus, Colchicum, Anticancer, Microtubule-targeting agents, Antimitotic, Apoptosis

Introduction

How Cancer Grows? Normal Cell Cycle Diagram & Cancerous Cell Cycle

Cancer ranks among the foremost causes of death worldwide, characterised by the abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of cells triggered by genetic and epigenetic alterations. According to global health statistics, nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 were attributed to various forms of cancer, including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers. [1] Cancer cells differ from normal cells primarily in their rapid division and ability to evade natural cell death mechanisms. As these malignant cells accumulate, they form tumours, which demand a continuous supply of nutrients and oxygen. In order to maintain their rapid expansion, cancer cells trigger the development of new blood vessels, a mechanism known as angiogenesis. This not only supports tumour expansion but also facilitates metastasis, allowing cancer to spread to other parts of the body. Current therapeutic research is exploring angiogenesis inhibitors as a strategy to restrict tumour progression and improve patient outcomes. [2]

MECHANISM OF ACTION

The therapeutic effectiveness of vinca alkaloids in cancer treatment is primarily attributed to their interaction with tubulin, a key structural protein in microtubules. These alkaloids disrupt the microtubule network by binding to specific sites on β-tubulin, particularly within the region referred to as the "vinca domain."[3] This binding interferes with the dynamic equilibrium of microtubule assembly and disassembly, essential for mitotic spindle formation during cell division. [4] As a result, the treated cells experience arrest at the metaphase stage of mitosis, ultimately leading to programmed cell death or apoptosis. Interestingly, even at low concentrations, vinca alkaloids can significantly alter microtubule dynamics by reducing both their growth and shrinkage rates. This stabilises the microtubules in a dysfunctional state, halting cell proliferation. [5] Beyond their role in mitosis, vinca alkaloids also impact non-dividing cells by affecting other microtubule-associated cellular processes. This includes intracellular transport and cell signalling pathways. Moreover, these compounds have shown potential in inhibiting tumour angiogenesis, thereby limiting the blood supply essential for tumour survival and growth. Such effects further enhance their anti-cancer potential, especially when used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents or anti-angiogenic therapies. [6]