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Marqibo

liposomal vincristine
Used for Leukemia
Used for Leukemia

Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) is a medication used to treat adults with a blood and bone marrow cancer called Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph- ALL). It's typically given if the cancer comes back or has gotten worse even after trying other anticancer medications. Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Last reviewed on December 23, 2022
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What is Marqibo (liposomal vincristine)?

What is Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) used for?

  • Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph- ALL) in people whose cancer has returned or worsened after previous therapies

How Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) works

Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) is a vinca alkaloid. It works by binding to a protein called tubulin, which then slows or stops cancer cells from growing and spreading.

Are you looking for information on conventional vincristine instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMarqibo (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassVinca alkaloid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Marqibo (liposomal vincristine)

What is Marqibo (liposomal vincristine)?
Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) is an anticancer medication that treats Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph- ALL). This is a subtype of ALL with changes in DNA in chromosomes other than those found on the Philadelphia chromosome. Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) works by stopping the life cycle of cancer cells. This kills cancer cells, which helps slow or stop cancer growth. Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) is an infusion into the vein that's usually given after you've tried other anticancer medications first that didn't end up working well.
Why was Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) discontinued?
The FDA approved Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) in 2012 for adults with Ph- ALL under its Accelerated Approval Program based on study results measuring response rates to the medication (lowered amount of cancer cells and recovery of blood cell counts). This approval provided a treatment option for adults with ALL who generally had few options available. With this early approval, the FDA required the makers of Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) to prove its benefit through clinical studies at a later time. By 2021, the makers weren't able to confirm a potential clinical benefit, so the FDA removed its approval of Marqibo (liposomal vincristine).
What's the difference between conventional vincristine and Marqibo (liposomal vincristine)?
Conventional vincristine is used today in treatment plans for many types of leukemias (including ALL) and lymphomas. Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) has been discontinued, but it was originally only used for the Ph- ALL subtype that's come back or gotten worse after previous treatment. Unlike conventional vincristine, Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) had a fatty coating that helped the medication stay in the blood longer so it reached and slowly entered cancer cells better. This allowed providers to give higher doses of Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) compared to conventional vincristine without causing more side effects.
What available alternatives are there for Marqibo (liposomal vincristine)?
Another anticancer medication option for Ph- ALL that’s come back or gotten worse after previous treatment includes Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel). Your provider will discuss with you about your available options based on your age, the therapies you've tried before, and the progression of your cancer.
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