Rapid quantification and classification of five vinca alkaloids used in cancer therapy by flow injection analysis with UV detection and chemometrics†

Abstract

Vinca alkaloids represent a major class of antineoplastic agents used against cancer. They are prepared in centralized production units by pharmacy technicians. Control of the preparation is indispensable to secure their preparation and avoid any errors, which can have serious consequences for the patient because antineoplastic agents are very toxic. Analytical quality control was proven to be the most efficient control to ensure the right drug at the right dose to the patient. The study focused on vinca alkaloids: vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, vinflunine, and vinorelbine, in the form of commercially diluted solutions in 0.9% NaCl at therapeutic concentrations. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical methodology for quality control capable of discriminating and quantifying these molecules. The primary objective was to assess the capability of Flow Injection Analysis with UV detection (FIA-UV), combined with chemometrics, for rapid classification and quantification of these alkaloids. A rapid High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV-visible detection (HPLC-UV) method was also developed and established as a reference standard. HPLC-UV discrimination was based on retention time, whereas FIA-UV relied on spectral analysis. Therefore, to improve discrimination in FIA-UV, Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was incorporated. FIA-UV achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in discriminating the five alkaloids, demonstrating non-inferiority to HPLC-UV. This method offers a streamlined workflow, reduces iatrogenic risk, and is well suited for antineoplastic agent preparation environments.