Anhydrovinblastine for the treatment of cancer

Abstract

The present invention is particularly directed to the use of a derivative of vinblastine, 3′,4′-dehydrovinblastine (3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine: AHVB), which differs from vinblastine in that it possesses a double bond at the 3′, 4′ position of the catharanthine nucleus rather than the hydroxyl group that is present in the parent structure, in the treatment of cancer.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . The use of 3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine, or variants thereof, as an anti-neoplastic agent in the treatment of cancer.  
     
     
         2 . The use of 3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment of cancer, wherein the concentration of 3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine is at significantly higher maximum concentration than therapeutically acceptable concentrations for vinblastine or Navelbine ™ for use in the treatment of cancer.  
     
     
         3 . A therapeutic composition comprising 3′,4′anhydrovinblastine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable, inert or physiologically active diluents or adjuvants.  
     
     
         4 . A therapeutic composition comprising 3′,4′anhydrovinblastine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable, inert or physiologically active diluents or adjuvants.  
     
     
         5 . The use of the composition of claims  3  or  4  for the treatment of cancer.  
     
     
         6 . The use of the composition of claims  3  or  4  for the treatment of cervical cancer.  
     
     
         7 . The use of the composition of claims  3  or  4  for the treatment of lung cancer.  
     
     
         8 . The use of 3′,4′anhydrovinblastine for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer.  
     
     
         9 . The use of the composition of claims  3  or  4  for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer.