What does vincristine mean?
Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug derived from the Madagascar periwinkle, a plant whose alkaloids have become important in cancer treatment. The medicine is used in combination regimens for acute leukemias, lymphomas, and several childhood cancers rather than as a stand-alone treatment. In clinical language, it is often identified by the fuller pharmaceutical name vincristine sulfate. Recognizable by its interference with microtubules and cell division, vincristine is associated with adverse effects that require careful monitoring, especially nerve damage and interactions with other medicines. Its name preserves its botanical connection: vincristine belongs to a group of substances named from the plant's former genus, Vinca. The drug has made it possible to administer effective, intensive chemotherapy to many patients, although its toxicity places it firmly within specialist medical care rather than ordinary self-medication.
nounVincristine is an antineoplastic alkaloid used in chemotherapy, particularly for acute leukemias, lymphomas, and some childhood cancers. It is derived from the Madagascar periwinkle plant.
- The antineoplastic drug vincristine, derived from the Madagascar periwinkle and used in combination chemotherapy for certain leukemias, lymphomas, and other cancers.
"The oncology team added vincristine to her multi-agent chemotherapy regimen."
"The oncology team added vincristine to her multi-agent chemotherapy regimen."
"Vincristine sulfate was administered by intravenous infusion under close clinical supervision."
The plural is rare. Clinical writing usually treats the medicine as a mass noun and refers to different preparations or formulations without pluralizing it.
"The formulary lists vincristines from several manufacturers."
A medicine that helped transform childhood cancer treatment began with a common garden plant: the Madagascar periwinkle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vincristine
The name vincristine comes from Vinca, the former genus name of the Madagascar periwinkle from which the compound was isolated. The English word vinca and the name vincamine share this botanical and chemical connection. English periwinkle also traces back, through Latin forms, to the same ancient word for the plant.
How vincristine is actually used
This is a formal medical term used chiefly in oncology and pharmacology. In prescribing and clinical contexts, it is commonly written as part of a drug name such as “vincristine sulfate,” and it is generally discussed as a drug class rather than as a countable household substance.
Easily confused with vincristine
Vinblastine is a distinct vinca-derived chemotherapy drug with a different chemical structure and clinical toxicity profile.