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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 12/10/2008
  • Updated: 02/10/2012

Vincristine Sulfate

listen 1  (vin-KRIS-teen SUL-fayt)

This page contains brief information about vincristine sulfate and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Vincasar PFS
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Vincristine sulfate is approved to treat:

Vincristine sulfate is sometimes used to treat other types of cancer, including:

Vincristine sulfate is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Vincristine Sulfate

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Vincristine Sulfate 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Genetic Abnormality Predicts Treatment Benefit for Patients With Rare Brain Tumor 4 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Radiation Might be Avoided for Older Patients with Good Prognosis Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 5 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Bortezomib Tested as First-Line Treatment for Multiple Myeloma 6 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Vincristine Sulfate 7 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

acute leukemia (uh-KYOOT loo-KEE-mee-uh)
A rapidly progressing cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of white blood cells to be produced and enter the blood stream.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Hodgkin lymphoma (HOJ-kin lim-FOH-muh)
A cancer of the immune system that is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The two major types of Hodgkin lymphoma are classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms include the painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue. Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats. Also called Hodgkin disease.
neuroblastoma (NOOR-oh-blas-TOH-muh)
Cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children.
non-Hodgkin lymphoma (non-HOJ-kin lim-FOH-muh)
Any of a large group of cancers of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age and are often marked by lymph nodes that are larger than normal, fever, and weight loss. There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These types can be divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent (slow-growing) types, and they can be formed from either B-cells or T-cells. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Lymphomas that occur after bone marrow or stem cell transplantation are usually B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and type of disease. Also called NHL.
rhabdomyosarcoma (RAB-doh-MY-oh-sar-KOH-muh)
Cancer that forms in the soft tissues in a type of muscle called striated muscle. Rhabdomyosarcoma can occur anywhere in the body.
Wilms tumor (wilmz TOO-mer)
A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the kidney, and may spread to the lungs, liver, or nearby lymph nodes. Wilms tumor usually occurs in children younger than 5 years old.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/720803.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=42251
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682822.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2012/oligodendroglioma0212
5http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/CHOPalone0207
6http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_121807/page4#e
7http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=42251&idtype=1
8http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
9http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
10http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
11http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access