Chemotherapy - Vinblastine
Brand Names: Velban, Alkaban-AQ, VLB
Vinblastine is a chemotherapy drug that is administered for the treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and lymphoma. It functions as plant alkaloid, meaning it interferes with DNA in fast growing cells, preventing them from reproducing.
This drug is used in the treatment of both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (especially Mycosis Fungoides) and is administered in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs in the following protocols:
- ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine)
- ChIVPP/EVA (chlorambucil, oncovin, procarbazine, prenisone, etoposide, vinblastine, adriamycin)
- Stanford-V (adriamycin, mustargen, bleomycin, vinblastine, oncovin, etoposide, prednisone)
Drug Administration
Vinblastine is given intravenously (IV). It is a vesicant, meaning it will irritate arteries, so it should be given through a vein only.
Side Effects
Common side effects include low blood counts, fatigue, and irritation at the injection site.
Less common side effects include hypertension (high blood pressure), myalgia (muscle pain), joint pain, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy (numbness in the extremeties), poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and taste changes.
Clinical Trial Locator
Follow this link to identify a conveniently located cancer treatment center and begin the process of enrollment.
For more information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages:
- Hodgkin's Disease: Chemotherapy
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction
- Childhood Hodgkin's Disease: Chemotherapy
- Childhood Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
- Childhood Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction