cyclophosphamide + mercaptopurine + methotrexate + prednisone + vincristine

A combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, prednisone, and vincristine. This combination is primarily used in the maintenance phase of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, typically following induction and consolidation phases. The regimen is administered over an extended period (usually 2-3 years) to maintain remission and prevent relapse. Each component works through different mechanisms to target cancer cells and prevent their growth and division. **The drugs in this combination work through different mechanisms to target cancer cells:** 1. **Cyclophosphamide** is an alkylating agent that damages DNA and prevents cancer cell replication. 2. **Mercaptopurine (6-MP)** is a purine antagonist that interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis. 3. **Methotrexate** is an antimetabolite that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, preventing DNA synthesis. 4. **Prednisone** is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses immune responses. 5. **Vincristine** is a vinca alkaloid that binds to tubulin and prevents microtubule formation, stopping cell division. This combination appears in several treatment protocols for ALL, including maintenance therapy following more intensive induction and consolidation phases. According to the search results, this combination or variations of it are used in protocols like POMP (Prednisone, Oncovin/vincristine, Methotrexate, Purinethol/mercaptopurine) maintenance therapy and as part of the hyper-CVAD regimen followed by maintenance therapy. The specific dosing and administration schedule varies by protocol, but typically includes: - Oral mercaptopurine daily - Weekly oral methotrexate - Periodic vincristine administered intravenously - Pulse doses of prednisone - Cyclophosphamide administered at specific intervals This combination is primarily used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with the goal of maintaining remission after initial intensive therapy. The maintenance phase with this combination typically continues for 2-3 years after achieving remission.

Other names

POMP