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NCI Drug Dictionary


folate receptor-targeted vinca alkaloid EC0489 
A folate receptor-targeting cytotoxic drug conjugate consisting of a folate vitamin analogue linked to a vinca alkaloid microtubule destabilizing agent with potential antineoplastic activity. Mediated through its folate moiety, folate receptor-targeted Vinca alkaloid EC0489 delivers the cytotoxic vinca alkaloid moiety directly to cells expressing folic acid receptors, frequently upregulated in many types of tumor cells. After ligand-receptor internalization, the vinca alkaloid moiety binds to tubulin and disrupts microtubule assembly-disassembly dynamics, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The relative tumor cell specificity of this agent reduces the toxicity profile of its Vinca alkaloid moiety. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)