prednisone + vincristine + mercaptopurine

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of three small-molecule drugs—prednisone, vincristine, and mercaptopurine. Each drug has a distinct mechanism of action: - Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid that induces apoptosis in certain cancerous lymphoid cells. - Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid that inhibits microtubule formation, thereby arresting cell division during metaphase. - Mercaptopurine is an antimetabolite (purine antagonist) that interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis by incorporating false nucleotides into the genetic material of rapidly dividing cells. This combination (sometimes as part of larger regimens such as POMP when methotrexate is added) has been used primarily for the treatment and maintenance therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), both in children and adults. The regimen exploits synergistic effects between agents to maximize anti-leukemic activity while minimizing resistance[1][2][3][7].