Paclitaxel is a mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy. It was discovered in a US National Cancer Institute program at the Research Triangle Institute in 1967 when Monroe E. Wall and Mansukh C. Wani isolated it from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia and named it taxol. Later it was discovered that endophytic fungi in the bark synthesize paclitaxel. When it was developed commercially by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), the generic name was changed to paclitaxel and the BMS compound is sold under the trademark Taxol. In this formulation, paclitaxel is dissolved in Kolliphor EL and ethanol, as a delivery agent. Taxol is marketed for the treatment of Breast cancer; Gastric cancer; Kaposi's sarcoma; Non-small cell lung cancer; Ovarian cancer. A newer formulation, in which paclitaxel is bound to albumin, is sold under the trademark Abraxane. Paclitaxel is a taxoid antineoplastic agent indicated as first-line and subsequent therapy for the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the ovary, and other various cancers including breast cancer. Paclitaxel is a novel antimicrotubule agent that promotes the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers and stabilizes microtubules by preventing depolymerization. This stability results in the inhibition of the normal dynamic reorganization of the microtubule network that is essential for vital interphase and mitotic cellular functions. In addition, paclitaxel induces abnormal arrays or "bundles" of microtubules throughout the cell cycle and multiple asters of microtubules during mitosis. Used in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma and cancer of the lung, ovarian, and breast. Abraxane® is specfically indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Paclitaxel interferes with the normal function of microtubule growth. Whereas drugs like colchicine cause the depolymerization of microtubules in vivo, paclitaxel arrests their function by having the opposite effect; it hyper-stabilizes their structure. This destroys the cell's ability to use its cytoskeleton in a flexible manner. Specifically, paclitaxel binds to the β subunit of tubulin. Tubulin is the "building block" of mictotubules, and the binding of paclitaxel locks these building blocks in place. The resulting microtubule/paclitaxel complex does not have the ability to disassemble. This adversely affects cell function because the shortening and lengthening of microtubules (termed dynamic instability) is necessary for their function as a transportation highway for the cell. Chromosomes, for example, rely upon this property of microtubules during mitosis. Further research has indicated that paclitaxel induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells by binding to an apoptosis stopping protein called Bcl-2 (B-cell leukemia 2) and thus arresting its function.

Paclitaxel is a mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy. It was discovered in a US National Cancer Institute program at the Research Triangle Institute in 1967 when Monroe E. Wall and Mansukh C. Wani isolated it from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia and named it taxol. Later it was discovered that endophytic fungi in the bark synthesize paclitaxel. When it was developed commercially by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), the generic name was changed to paclitaxel and the BMS compound is sold under the trademark Taxol. In this formulation, paclitaxel is dissolved in Kolliphor EL and ethanol, as a delivery agent. Taxol is marketed for the treatment of Breast cancer; Gastric cancer; Kaposi's sarcoma; Non-small cell lung cancer; Ovarian cancer. A newer formulation, in which paclitaxel is bound to albumin, is sold under the trademark Abraxane. Paclitaxel is a taxoid antineoplastic agent indicated as first-line and subsequent therapy for the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the ovary, and other various cancers including breast cancer. Paclitaxel is a novel antimicrotubule agent that promotes the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers and stabilizes microtubules by preventing depolymerization. This stability results in the inhibition of the normal dynamic reorganization of the microtubule network that is essential for vital interphase and mitotic cellular functions. In addition, paclitaxel induces abnormal arrays or "bundles" of microtubules throughout the cell cycle and multiple asters of microtubules during mitosis. Used in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma and cancer of the lung, ovarian, and breast. Abraxane® is specfically indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Paclitaxel interferes with the normal function of microtubule growth. Whereas drugs like colchicine cause the depolymerization of microtubules in vivo, paclitaxel arrests their function by having the opposite effect; it hyper-stabilizes their structure. This destroys the cell's ability to use its cytoskeleton in a flexible manner. Specifically, paclitaxel binds to the β subunit of tubulin. Tubulin is the "building block" of mictotubules, and the binding of paclitaxel locks these building blocks in place. The resulting microtubule/paclitaxel complex does not have the ability to disassemble. This adversely affects cell function because the shortening and lengthening of microtubules (termed dynamic instability) is necessary for their function as a transportation highway for the cell. Chromosomes, for example, rely upon this property of microtubules during mitosis. Further research has indicated that paclitaxel induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells by binding to an apoptosis stopping protein called Bcl-2 (B-cell leukemia 2) and thus arresting its function.

Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid antineoplastic agent used as a treatment for various cancers including breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease, Kaposi's sarcoma, and testicular cancer. The vinca alkaloids are structurally similar compounds comprised of 2 multiringed units, vindoline and catharanthine. The vinca alkaloids have become clinically useful since the discovery of their antitumour properties in 1959. Initially, extracts of the periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus) were investigated because of putative hypoglycemic properties, but were noted to cause marrow suppression in rats and antileukemic effects in vitro. Vincristine binds to the microtubular proteins of the mitotic spindle, leading to crystallization of the microtubule and mitotic arrest or cell death. Vincristine has some immunosuppressant effect. The vinca alkaloids are considered to be cell cycle phase-specific. The antitumor activity of Vincristine is thought to be due primarily to inhibition of mitosis at metaphase through its interaction with tubulin. Like other vinca alkaloids, Vincristine may also interfere with: 1) amino acid, cyclic AMP, and glutathione metabolism, 2) calmodulin-dependent Ca2+-transport ATPase activity, 3) cellular respiration, and 4) nucleic acid and lipid biosynthesis.Vincristine was marketed under the brand name Oncovin, but was discontinued. In 2012 the FDA approved a Liposomal formulation of Vincristine, named MARQIBO KIT.

Vinblastine is a Vinca alkaloid obtained from the Madagascar periwinkle plant. Vinca alkaloids were found out in the 1950's by Canadian scientists, Robert Noble and Charles Beer for the first time. Medicinal applications of this plant lead to the monitoring of these compounds for their hypoglycemic activity, which is of little importance compared to their cytotoxic effects. They have been used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure and the drugs have even been used as disinfectants. Nevertheless, the vinca alkaloids are so important for being cancer fighters. The mechanism of action of vinblastine sulfate has been related to the inhibition of microtubule formation in the mitotic spindle, resulting in an arrest of dividing cells at the metaphase stage. Vinblastine is an antineoplastic agent used to treat Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, mycosis fungoides, cancer of the testis, Kaposi's sarcoma, Letterer-Siwe disease, as well as other cancers.

Vinepidine, a derivative of vincristine participated in clinical trials as an antineoplastic agent. As a result, the extreme neuromuscular toxicity was observed, that is why this study was discontinued.

Combretastatin A4 is a vascular disrupting agent (VDA) that targets tumor vasculature to inhibit angiogenesis. Combretastatin A4 is a tubulin-binding agent that binds at or near the colchicine binding site of β-tubulin and inhibits tubulin assembly. This tubulin-binding agent was originally isolated from an African shrub, Combretum caffrum. Combretastatin A4 is cytotoxic to umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to a range of cells derived from primary tumors and these cytotoxicity profiles have been used to assess several novel analogs of the drug for future development. Combretastatin A4 has antitumor activity by inhibiting AKT function. The inhibited AKT activation causes decreased cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and reduced in vitro migration/invasiveness and in vivo metastatic ability. Several studies in mice have shown that a single administration of combretastatin A4 (100 mg/kg) does not significantly affect primary tumor growth. However, repeated administration (12.5 – 25.0mg/kg twice daily) for periods of 10 – 20 days resulted in approximately 50% retardation of growth of ectopic Lewis lung carcinoma and substantial growth delay of T138 spontaneous murine breast tumors. In clinical studies, Combretastatin A4 has been well tolerated in patients at doses up to 56 mg/m2, following a protocol of five daily 10-minute intravenous infusions every 21 days. The disodium combretastatin A4 phosphate prodrug is currently undergoing clinical trials in the UK and USA.

Cevipabulin is a synthetic, water-soluble tubulin-binding agent with potential antineoplastic activity. Cevipabulin appears to bind at the vinca-binding site on tubulin but seems to act more similar to taxane-site binding agents in that it enhances tubulin polymerization and does not induce tubulin depolymerization. The disruption in microtubule dynamics may eventually inhibit cell division and reduce cellular growth.

Batabulin or T138067 (2-fluoro-1-methoxy-4-pentafluorophenylsulfonamidobenzene) covalently and selectively modifies the beta1, beta2, and beta4 isotypes of beta-tubulin at a conserved cysteine residue, thereby disrupting microtubule polymerization. Cells exposed to batabulin become altered in shape, indicating a collapse of the cytoskeleton, and show an increase in chromosomal ploidy. Batabulin is equally efficacious in inhibiting the growth of sensitive and multidrug-resistant human tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice. Batabulin has been in clinical trials for the treatment of cancers (breast cancer, colorectal cancer, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer). It does not have clinical activity in the treatment of colorectal cancer and glioma. Batabulin development was discontinued.

Mivobulin is a synthetic water-soluble colchicine analog with the broad antitumor activity that competitively binds tubulin at the colchicine-binding site and inhibits tubulin polymerization. Cancer cells exposed to Mivobulin isethionate accumulate in the M phase of the cell cycle and subsequently die. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Mivobulin isethionate is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Importantly, Mivobulin isethionate demonstrated significant antitumor activity in a broad spectrum of murine and human tumor models that were cross-resistant to vincristine, cisplatin, vinblastine, navelbine, and doxorubicin and in tumor cell lines exhibiting multidrug resistance owing to P-glycoprotein overexpression. In animal studies, the activity of Mivobulin isethionate was largely independent of the route of drug administration but favored a prolonged treatment schedule. Unfortunately, in clinical trials, Mivobulin fail to demonstrate the significant activity

Denibulin is a novel antineoplastic agent. Denibulin selectively targets and reversibly binds to the colchicine-binding site on tubulin and inhibits microtubule assembly. This results in the disruption of the cytoskeleton of tumor endothelial cells, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest, blockage of cell division and apoptosis. This causes inadequate blood flow to the tumor and eventually leads to a decrease in tumor cell proliferation. Denibulin hydrochloride had been in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumours. It was generally well tolerated and showed decrease in tumor vascular parameters. However, no recent development has been reported.