Some biological effects of Vincaleukoblastine, an alkaloid in Vinca rosea Linn in patients with malignant disease.

Abstract

Summary The treatment of 22 patients with Vincaleukoblastine is described. The main toxic effects were noted at the sites of injection, on the blood, and on the nervous system. Severe granulocytopenia with little or no depression of platelets was noted in nearly all patients. In fifteen of the 22 patients the administration of Vincaleukoblastine had measurable effects on the malignant process. Partial remissions of short duration, with marked improvement in general clinical condition, were obtained in three children with acute leukemia, in one patient with lymphosarcoma, and in one with breast cancer.