Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches for Vinblastine and Vincristine in Cancer Research

Abstract

Vinblastine (VBL) and vincristine (VCR) are vinca alkaloids derived from Catharanthus roseus and are among the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents for treating hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Due to their narrow therapeutic index and complex structural nature, accurate, sensitive, and selective analytical methods are crucial for quantifying these drugs in pharmaceutical formulations, biological matrices, and environmental samples. This review provides a comprehensive overview of reported analytical techniques for VBL and VCR, drawing on major databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, with a focus on the English-language literature. The discussed methods include chromatographic, spectroscopic, electroanalytical, and capillary electrophoretic techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), particularly when coupled with LC–MS/MS, offers exceptional sensitivity, with detection limits as low as 0.025 ng/mL in plasma. Conventional HPLC-UV methods, though less sensitive, remain widely applied in plant extract analysis. Electroanalytical approaches, such as voltammetry using nanomaterial-modified electrodes, offer eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives with detection limits as low as 0.3 nM. Key analytical considerations include light sensitivity, pH and temperature control, and matrix interferences. Overall, recent methodological advancements enable reliable quantification of VBL and VCR, supporting safer clinical application, toxicity monitoring, and environmental surveillance. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.