Vinca alkaloids in breast cancer: antimitotic mechanisms and therapeutic challenges

Resumo

Breast cancer represents one of the public health challenges worldwide, being responsible for morbidity and mortality rates among women. In view of the toxicity and limitations of conventional therapies, phytochemicals have emerged as potential agents, vinca alkaloids due to their antimitotic and cytotoxic activity. This review aimed to analyze the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and limitations of the vinca alkaloids in the treatment of breast cancer. A search was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases using the MeSH descriptors “Breast Neoplasms,” “Vinca Alkaloids,” and “Phytochemicals.” A total of 12 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected based on criteria of relevance and originality. The data indicate that compounds vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine, vinflunine, and vinorelbine act by inhibiting microtubule dynamics, promoting mitotic arrest and apoptosis of cells. However, these agents are associated with adverse effects, including neurotoxicity and myelosuppression, and face therapeutic resistance, especially in triple-negative tumors. Recent advances, such as liposomal formulations and antibody–drug conjugates, have been investigated to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. It is concluded that vinca alkaloids have promising potential in the management of breast cancer, but require pharmacological optimization and clinical studies to expand their applicability with therapeutic safety.