[Apoptotic mechanisms induced in breast cancer cells by vinorelbine].

Vinorelbine (VNB) is one of new semi-synthesized vinka alkaloids developed in France, of which anti-tumor activity is susceptible mainly to non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. Moreover, its clinical efficacy has been noted from single-agent therapy or combination therapy with taxanes. It is assumed that VNB selectively acts on tubulin which elaborates microtubules, strands the cells at G 1 phase and interferes with the mitosis. VNB has unique anti-tumor activity as an antimicrotubule agent and is expected to be available for treatment of multi-drug resistant tumors. In this report, we demonstrate that VNB, as an antimicrotubule agent, induces apoptosis in breast cancer cell line, MX-1 via a mitochondrial pathway.