Vincristine
OncovinPubChem CID 5978 · 3D model
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Stops cancer cells from dividing by breaking down the internal scaffolding they need to split into two new cells.
How it works
Vincristine works by jamming the machinery cells use to pull themselves apart when they divide. Because cancer cells divide often, this hits them especially hard, stopping them mid-split so they can't multiply. It's given as an IV infusion. It doesn't cross well into the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which is why cancer can sometimes still show up there even when the rest of the body responds well to treatment.
What it’s used for
Used on its own to treat acute leukemia, and as part of combination chemotherapy regimens for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, plus certain childhood cancers including rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms' tumor, a kidney cancer.
- Mechanism
- Microtubule inhibitor (vinca alkaloid)
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Oncology