Blasting Cancer
This article was originally written and submitted as part of a Canada 150 Project, the Innovation Storybook, to crowdsource stories of Canadian innovation with partners across Canada. The content has since been migrated to Ingenium’s Channel, a digital hub featuring curated content related to science, technology and innovation.
Blasting Cancer
The leaves of the Madagascar periwinkle plant, Vinca Rosea, contain a powerful anti-cancer drug. In 1958, chemist Charles Beer and Dr. Robert Noble discovered and isolated it. The Western University researchers’ discovery was serendipitous: Noble received 25 leaves of the plant from his brother, who was also doctor. His brother had in turn received the leaves from one of his patients, who told him periwinkle tea was popular in Jamaica for treating diabetes.
Called vinblastine, the drug turned out to be one of the most useful chemotherapeutic agents, particularly for managing Hodgkin’s disease and testicular cancer. It is also used to treat certain blood disorders.
Western University
Founded in 1878, we deliver ‘The Western Experience’, an exemplary learning experience that engages the best and brightest people challenging them to meet ever-higher standards in the classroom and beyond.
We inform every dimension of a student – intellectual, social, cultural as well as physical. From our home in London, Ont., Canada, outward across every continent, Western prepares future leaders to succeed.
