Definition

Noun: * A chemotherapy medication: Velban is the trade name for a specific drug derived from the periwinkle plant. Its primary medical use is as an antineoplastic agent, meaning it works to inhibit or stop the growth and division of cancer cells.

Usage

• Velban is used in the treatment of various cancers, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, breast cancer, and others.
• It is administered by a healthcare professional, typically via intravenous infusion.

Examples

• The oncologist prescribed a course of Velban for the patient's lymphoma.
• Velban is one of several vinca alkaloids used in cancer therapy.
• A common side effect of Velban is peripheral neuropathy.

Advanced Usage

• Mechanism of Action: Velban works by binding to tubulin, a protein necessary for cell division, thereby disrupting the formation of the mitotic spindle and arresting cell cycle progression.
• Drug Class: It belongs to the class of drugs known as or .

Variants and Related Words

• Vinblastine sulfate: This is the generic, non-proprietary name for the drug sold under the trade name Velban.
• Vinca alkaloid: The class of chemotherapy drugs to which vinblastine/Velban belongs.
• Antineoplastic: A general term for drugs or substances that prevent the development, growth, or proliferation of malignant cells.

Synonyms

• Vinblastine
• Vinblastine sulfate

Notes

• The name "Velban" is a trademark. In medical literature, the generic name "vinblastine" is more commonly used.
• It is a prescription medication with significant potential side effects and must be used under strict medical supervision.

Noun

1. periwinkle plant derivative used as an antineoplastic drug (trade name Velban) that disrupts cell division