dacarbazine + interferon beta + nimustine hydrochloride + vincristine sulfate

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of four agents: - **Dacarbazine** (DTIC): an alkylating agent that inhibits DNA synthesis by methylation of guanine bases. - **Interferon beta** (IFN-β): a cytokine with immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects, administered locally or subcutaneously to enhance immune response against tumor cells. - **Nimustine hydrochloride** (ACNU): a nitrosourea alkylating agent that cross-links DNA and inhibits replication and transcription. - **Vincristine sulfate** (VCR): a vinca alkaloid that disrupts microtubule formation in mitosis. This regimen—often referred to as "DAV-Feron" or "DAV-interferon β"—is primarily used as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for malignant melanoma in Japan. The combination aims to target melanoma cells through multiple mechanisms including direct cytotoxicity, inhibition of cell division, and immune modulation. However, randomized controlled trials have not established significant survival benefits for this regimen compared to other treatments[3][5]. It is associated with notable toxicities such as hematological suppression and local reactions at the IFN-beta injection site[1][5].

Other names

DAV-FeronDAV-IFN-β therapyDAV therapy with interferon beta