How it Works

Vincristine is a chemotherapy medication that is used to treat a variety of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of microtubules, which are essential for the proper function of cells, including cancer cells, stopping the cancer cells’ division (separating into two new cells), and stopping the tumor growth.

How it’s Administered

Vincristine is given as an infusion into a vein (IV), usually once every seven days

Who Should Take Vincristine

Vincristine is currently approved for:

• Multiple types of cancer such as multiple myeloma, acute and chronic leukemias, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Wilms' tumor, thyroid cancer, and brain tumors

Who Shouldn’t Take Vincristine

• Patients who are allergic to Vincristine or Oncovin components
• Patients with a nerve-muscle disorder such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome
• Pregnant women 

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Vincristine Include:

• Hair loss 
• Decreased weight with loss of muscle tissue 
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Weight loss 
• Rash

Commonly Used With 

• Cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and dexamethasone 

Currently Being Tested With

• Steroids: Dexamethasone
• Chemotherapy drugs: Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide, Melphalan
• Immunomodulators agents: Lenalidomide, Thalidomide 
• Proteasome inhibitors: Bortezomib
• Monoclonal antibodies: Daratumumab
• Antibiotics with antineoplastic activity: Doxorubicin (adryamicin)

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