Poisoning the Spindle: Serendipity and Discovery of the Anti-Tumor Properties of the Vinca Alkaloids

Abstract

In 1995, Canadian scientists Robert Noble and Charles Beer were inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for their 1950s “discovery” of Vinblastine. Their “chance” finding of an anticancer drug in the leaves of the periwinkle plant (Vinca rosea, Linn.), is used to explore the historical issue of discovery, accidental discovery, and priority. The elements of the discovery are reconstructed through the oral testimony of key players and their published and unpublished records. Several “unsung heroes” played key roles in this project and reasons for their relative invisibility will be presented. Special attention is paid to the relationship between the small Canadian academic group working at UWO and the large pharmaceutical company (Eli Lilly) engaged in similar research at the same time.