Vinblastine Sulfate

Vinblastine is effective as a single agent, but its therapeutic effect is enhanced when used in combination with other antineoplastic drugs. Vinblastine has been used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease (Stages III and IV) in combination therapy (with adriamycin (doxorubicin), bleomycin and dacarbazine as ABVD) and in the treatment of advanced testicular carcinoma (with cisplatin and bleomycin). Vinblastine has been used in the palliative treatment of lymphocytic lymphoma, histiocytic lymphoma, advanced stages of mycosis fungoides, Kaposi's sarcoma and Histiocytosis X.

Vinblastine may be used in the treatment of choriocarcinoma resistant to other chemotherapeutic agents; carcinoma of the breast, unresponsive to appropriate endocrine surgery and hormonal therapy. One of the most effective single agents for treatment of Hodgkin’s disease is vinblastine. A protocol substituting cyclophosphamide for nitrogen mustard and vinblastine for vincristine in MOPP is an alternative therapy for previously untreated patients with advanced Hodgkin’s disease. Patients suffering relapse have also responded to combination therapy that included vinblastine. Advanced testicular germ-cell cancers are sensitive to vinblastine alone but the administration of vinblastine concomitantly with other antineoplastic agents, produces better clinical results. Bleomycin effectiveness is enhanced when vinblastine is administered 6 to 8 hours prior to bleomycin administration; this schedule permits more cells to be arrested during metaphase, in which bleomycin is active.