semustine + procarbazine + vincristine

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of semustine (also known as lomustine or CCNU), procarbazine, and vincristine. The combination is commonly referred to as "PCV" and is primarily used in the treatment of certain brain tumors, especially oligodendroglioma and other gliomas. Each component has a distinct mechanism of action: - Semustine (lomustine) is an alkylating agent that causes DNA cross-linking, leading to cell death. - Procarbazine is also an alkylating agent that inhibits DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. - Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid that inhibits microtubule formation in mitosis. The rationale for combining these drugs lies in their complementary mechanisms of action against cancer cells. PCV chemotherapy may be administered after radiation therapy to improve overall survival in patients with low-grade gliomas[1][4]. This regimen can also be considered for other types of brain tumors.

Other names

PCV