vincristine
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * A chemotherapy drug derived from the Madagascar periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus). It is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) agent that works by stopping cancer cells from dividing and multiplying.
Usage
Vincristine is used as a medication, typically administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. * It is primarily used to treat various cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, and some solid tumors. * It is often a component of combination chemotherapy regimens.
Examples
- The oncologist prescribed a treatment protocol that included vincristine.
- Vincristine is a key drug in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- A common side effect of vincristine is peripheral neuropathy.
Advanced Usage
- Trade Name: The drug is commonly known by its trade name, Oncovin.
- Mechanism: It is classified as a vinca alkaloid and a mitotic inhibitor, meaning it disrupts the formation of the mitotic spindle during cell division.
Variants and Related Words
- Oncovin (n): A proprietary trade name for vincristine.
- Vinca alkaloid (n): The class of chemotherapy drugs to which vincristine belongs. Another example is vinblastine.
Synonyms
- Antineoplastic agent
- Chemotherapeutic agent
- Cytotoxic drug
Notes
- Vincristine is a potent medication with significant potential side effects and must be handled and administered with care.
- It is distinct from the ornamental plant commonly called "periwinkle" (), although both are related.
Noun
- periwinkle plant derivative used as an antineoplastic drug (trade name Oncovin); used to treat cancer of the lymphatic system