A real-world pharmacovigilance study using disproportionality analysis of United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System events for vinca alkaloids: comparing vinorelbine and Vincristine.

Abstract

Background: Vinca alkaloids are widely used in cancer treatment for their ability to target microtubule dynamics. While their efficacy in treating certain cancers is well-established, the full spectrum of their adverse event profiles remains an area of ongoing research.

Methods: We analyzed AEs related to vinorelbine and vincristine using a retrospective case/non-case approach with data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We applied various algorithms to detect AE signals: the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR) measured disproportionality and association strength; the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) calculated the Information Component (IC) for associations against background rates; and the multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) yielded empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM) values, accounting for reporting variability.

Results: Both medications significantly involve the blood and lymphatic systems, with vinorelbine reporting 401 cases in this System Organ Class (SOC), exhibiting a ROR of 17.4, PRR of 12.4, IC of 3.63, and EBGM of 12.38. An intersection analysis of Preferred Terms (PTs) has uncovered previously unreported AEs shared by both drugs, including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.

Conclusions: This analysis highlights the need for ongoing research of the risks associated with vinorelbine and vincristine.