According to the nomenclature of international nonproprietary names (INNs) established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the INNs of vinca alkaloids contain the common stem vin- (1). Some vinca alkaloids are used as cytotoxic drugs, administered orally or intravenously. As of 6 October 2020, five drugs whose INNs contain this common stem were marketed in France for use in various types of cancer: vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, vinflunine and vinorelbine. These drugs have the adverse effects of cytotoxics, plus central nervous system toxicity. Accidental intrathecal administration of vinca alkaloids (particularly vindesine or vincristine) leads to fatal ascending paralysis (2,3). Other vinca alkaloids - vinburnine and vincamine-which were presented as "cerebral vasodilators" but lack any demonstrated clinical efficacy, have not been available in France since the 2010s (4). Vinpocetine, a derivative of vincamine, is sold as a dietary supplement, in particular for improving cognitive performance, but its benefits have not been demonstrated, and it is teratogenic (5).
展开▼
