Prednisone, Cytarabine, and Vincristine combination

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of three distinct medications: Prednisone, Cytarabine (also known as Ara-C), and Vincristine. Prednisone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Cytarabine is a nucleoside analog that interferes with DNA synthesis. Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid that disrupts microtubule formation and arrests cell division. The combination has been primarily studied in acute leukemia treatment protocols, used both alone (as OAP) and in modified regimens that include additional agents like cyclophosphamide (COAP) or daunorubicin (DOAP). Studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients showed remission rates for OAP, COAP, and DOAP of 43%, 37%, and 35% respectively. Median remission durations were 90, 40, and 45 weeks respectively, and median survival times were 8, 7, and 11 weeks respectively. A study comparing COAP to cytarabine alone found complete remission rates of 74% vs 49%, median remission duration of 62 weeks vs 46 weeks, and median survival of 35 weeks vs 8 weeks. Cytarabine was typically administered as a continuous infusion for five days in these regimens, with dosages varying (100 mg/sq m/day or 200 mg/sq m/day). Specific dosing schedules, including pulse therapy in maintenance, varied. While these combinations were studied extensively in the 1970s and 1980s, modern leukemia treatment protocols have evolved, often incorporating these agents but in different combinations with newer medications.

Other names

OAP regimen (includes these agents)COAP regimen (includes these agents + cyclophosphamide)DOAP regimen (includes these agents + daunorubicin)