vincristine + doxorubicin + dexamethasone

Vincristine + doxorubicin + dexamethasone, commonly referred to as the VAD regimen, is a combination chemotherapy protocol historically used as induction therapy for multiple myeloma and also in some regimens for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Vincristine is a mitotic inhibitor that disrupts microtubule formation, thereby inhibiting cell division. Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, leading to DNA damage and apoptosis. Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties that induces apoptosis in certain cancer cells. The combination was designed to maximize antitumor efficacy by targeting different cellular pathways while minimizing overlapping toxicities. While effective, especially in inducing remission prior to stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma, the regimen has largely been replaced by newer combinations due to its side effect profile (notably neurotoxicity from vincristine) and lower complete response rates compared with regimens containing novel agents such as thalidomide or bortezomib[1][3][4].

Other names

VADvinCRISTine DOXOrubicin dexamethasone