Vincristine is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat certain types of leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells), including acute myeloid leukemia (AML, ANLL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease), and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (types of cancer that begin in a

What is the main use of vincristine?

Vincristine is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a cancer chemotherapy drug that is usually used with other chemotherapy drugs to slow or stop cancer cell growth.

Is vincristine sulfate a chemotherapy?

Drug Type: Vincristine is an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug.

How does vincristine work in the body?

How it works. Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a group of drugs called vinca alkaloids. Vincristine works by stopping the cancer cells from separating into 2 new cells. So, it stops the growth of the cancer.

Why is vincristine being discontinued?

It is ramping up production of vincristine—often used with other drugs to treat leukemia, brain tumors and lymphomas—after Teva in July notified the FDA that it had made the “business decision” to discontinue production. Its move has left pediatric oncologists scrambling to find supplies.

What is vincristine neuropathy?

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) is characterized primarily by numbness, tingling, and a painful sensation felt in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, and constipation due to its effect on the sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves^3,4,5.

What plant does vincristine come from?

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a small perennial plant native to the island of Madagascar. Its attractive white or pink flowers have made it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and homes across the world.

What are the long term side effects of vincristine?

With continued treatment, neuritic pain and later, motor difficulties may occur. Loss of deep-tendon reflexes, foot drop, wrist drop, ataxia, and paralysis have been reported with continued administration.

When do vincristine side effects start?

This effect may occur within minutes to several hours after vincristine is given and up to 2 weeks after the dose of mitomycin-C. Get medical help right away if you have shortness of breath or coughing.

Can vincristine cause hearing loss?

Vincristine sulfate is a chemotherapeutic agent used in different cancer therapies. It is also the first choice of treatment for peripheral T-cell lymphoma with cyclophosphamide and adriamycin. Sudden hearing loss during vincristine therapy is a very rare event.

What is the strongest chemo drug?

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is one of the most powerful chemotherapy drugs ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it’s used to treat a wide variety of cancers.

Can vincristine cause liver damage?

Vincristine has been suspected to cause liver damage and to enhance radiation-induced hepatic injury. The authors report this case of moderate transient transaminitis confirmed by rechallenge with vincristine.

Does vincristine cause joint pain?

You may get pain in your muscles or joints for a few days after treatment. If this happens, tell your doctor so they can give you painkillers.

What are the side effects of vincristine?

Vincristine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea.
• vomiting.
• sores in the mouth and throat.
• loss of appetite or weight.
• stomach pain.
• diarrhea.
• headache.
• hair loss.

Is vincristine being discontinued?

Vincristine production was discontinued by Teva in early June 2019, leaving Pfizer as the sole supplier of the medication.

Where is vincristine made?

Vincristine belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids. Plant alkaloids are made from plants. The vinca alkaloids are made from the periwinkle plant (catharanthus rosea). The taxanes are made from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree (taxus).