Definition of Vinca alkaloid

Vinca alkaloid: A medication in a class of anticancer drugs that inhibit cancer cell growth by stopping cell division (mitosis). The vinca alkaloids are also called antimitotic or antimicrotubule agents, or mitotic inhibitors. They were originally derived from the common periwinkle plant, have been synthesized, and include vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine and vinorelbine. See also: Alkaloid