Vincristine sulphate (Oncovin)

Vincristine sulphate (Oncovin) is an intravenous anti-cancer drug derived from the periwinkle plant. It is thought to interfere with cell division. It is being studied as a treatment for Kaposi’s sarcoma and lymphoma, in combination with other anti-cancer drugs. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly.

Side-effects include peripheral neuropathy (numbness or weakness in the limbs due to nerve damage), constipation and occasional hair loss. However, a fat-coated or ‘liposomal’ version of vincristine is less likely to cause neuropathy, while being effective against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.1

The drug is given intravenously. The dose and schedule will depend upon what other drugs are being used in combination with vincristine. If used alongside d4T (stavudine, Zerit), ddI (didanosine, Videx / VidexEC) and ddC (zalcitabine, Hivid) it may increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

References

  1. Sarris AH et al. Liposomal vincristine in relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas: early results of an ongoing phase II trial. Ann Oncol 11: 69-72, 2000

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