prednisone + dexamethasone + vincristine + daunorubicin + PEG-L-asparaginase

This combination is a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen used primarily in the treatment of **acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)**. It includes two synthetic glucocorticoids (**prednisone** and **dexamethasone**), the vinca alkaloid **vincristine**, the anthracycline antibiotic **daunorubicin**, and the pegylated enzyme **PEG-L-asparaginase** (pegaspargase). Each component works via a distinct mechanism to target rapidly dividing leukemic cells, with the collective goal of inducing remission, preventing relapse, and eradicating residual disease. Glucocorticoids induce apoptosis in lymphoid cells, vincristine disrupts microtubule formation inhibiting mitosis, daunorubicin intercalates DNA and impairs replication, and PEG-L-asparaginase depletes asparagine required for leukemia cell survival. This combination is typically used during the **induction phase** of ALL therapy, often followed by further consolidation and maintenance therapies. The regimen is well established in pediatric and adult ALL protocols and is supported by significant clinical evidence for its efficacy[1][4][10].

Other names

St. Jude Total Therapy Study XIV induction chemotherapy