Vinca alkaloids are associated with which toxicity?

Vinca alkaloids are associated with which toxicity?

• A. Nephrotoxicity
• B. Peripheral neuropathy
• C. Pulmonary fibrosis
• D. Hemorrhagic cystitis

Answer: (B)

Vinca alkaloids inhibit microtubule formation, which blocks cell division. In neurons, microtubules are essential for axonal transport, so this disruption also affects nerve function and leads to peripheral neuropathy. This neurotoxicity is the hallmark toxicity of these drugs, especially vincristine, and is dose-limiting. Nephrotoxicity is not a typical issue with vinca alkaloids; pulmonary fibrosis is more associated with drugs like bleomycin; and hemorrhagic cystitis is a known risk with alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide due to a toxic metabolite.

Vinca alkaloids inhibit microtubule formation, which blocks cell division. In neurons, microtubules are essential for axonal transport, so this disruption also affects nerve function and leads to peripheral neuropathy. This neurotoxicity is the hallmark toxicity of these drugs, especially vincristine, and is dose-limiting.

Nephrotoxicity is not a typical issue with vinca alkaloids; pulmonary fibrosis is more associated with drugs like bleomycin; and hemorrhagic cystitis is a known risk with alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide due to a toxic metabolite.