Abstract

Vinblastine, referred to as a vinka alkaloid, has been used as a component of the various chemotherapeutic regimens in the treatment of nonseminomatous testicular carcinoma, chorioearcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer and cervical cancer. Vinblastine has been used as a main component of ABVD combination therapy for the patients with advanced Hodgkins disease who relapsed after therapy with the MOPP regimen. The major adverse effects of usual dosage of vinblatine are myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, local effects(phlebitis, necrosis when extravasated), and peripheral and autonomic neuropathies. We experienced the life threatening toxicities including bone marrow suppression, oral mucositis, peripheral neuropathies and paralytic ileus in a 41-year-old male patient with re- lapsed Hodgkins disease who was errorneously treated with 50 mg of vinblastine. The patient was recovered completely with intensive supportive treatment.

• Keywords: Vinblastine overdose, Hodgkins disease