vinca alkaloid n any of several alkaloids (as vinblastine and vincristine) obtained esp. from the rosy periwinkle
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one of a group of antimitotic drugs (see cytotoxic drug) derived from the periwinkle (Vinca rosea). Vinca alkaloids, which are usually administered intravenously and are used especially to treat leukaemias and lymphomas, include vinblastine, vincristine, and vindesine.
Medical dictionary. 2011.