Vincristine (Oncovin) for Mesothelioma

Vincristine (Oncovin)

Brand named Oncovin, Vincristine is also known as leurocristine, a vinca alkaloid extracted from the Madagascar periwinkle. It acts as a mitotic inhibitor which prevents the splitting of cancerous cells thereby stunting its growth. Vincristine contributes to mitotic inhibition by attaching to tubulin dimers and prevents the growth of a cancerous cell's cytoskeleton and mitotic spindle. While the drug targets fast growth cells like cancer cells, it also affects intestinal epithelium as well as bone marrow.

Vincristine is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and nephroblastoma (also known as Wilms tumor). It is also in clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma. Some of the major side effects are peripheral neuropathy (destruction of nerve cells in the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system), hypnoatremia (an electrolyte imbalance where the sodium levels in plasma drop below a certain threshold, possibly leading to water intoxication), hair loss, and constipation. Accidental injection of a vinca alkaloid into the spinal canal is very likely to cause death due to nervous damage, but a small number of survivors exist with severe nerve damage. Also, when Vincristine is injected into a vein, there is a possibility that the drug will leak into the tissue around the injection site, and if that is the case, you should inform the doctor immediately. Some other side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting
Cramps
Diarrhea
Pain located in the jaw or head

If any of the following side effects are experienced, you should contact your doctor immediately:

Tingling or numbness in the extremities
Severe cramping
Loss of balance
Impairment of vision
Sudden swelling
Loss of bladder control or painful urination

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