What Is PCV Chemotherapy?

PCV, the name for a triple-drug cocktail used to treat brain tumors, is an abbreviation of the combined names of the chemotherapy drugs procarbazine, lomustine (also known as CCNU) and vincristine. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, doctors conducted studies using PCV therapy on two groups of patients: the first consisted of 16 adults with newly diagnosed brain tumors, and the second consisted of five adults with recurring, low-grade brain tumors. Three out of five patients with recurrent tumors responded to PCV treatment, while 13 of the 16 newly diagnosed patients showed evidence of response, according to the study. Several patients showed significant clinical improvement.

Treatment

• According to Macmillan, one cycle of the PCV regimen lasts 42 days. The first day of treatment involves an infusion of vincristine and a dose of lomustine capsules, along with the inception of a 10-day course of procarbazine capsules. After the completion of this course, the patient will have a rest period with no treatment for the next 32 days, which completes one cycle. The patient then undergoes an additional six-week rest period before the next cycle begins. Patients typically undergo two or three cycles.

Procarbazine

• Physicians administer procarbazine in the form of 50 mg ivory-colored capsules. Aside from brain tumors, procarbazine also figures in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Side effects may include reduced resistance to infection due to white blood cell production, bruising or bleeding, anemia, nausea, vomiting and tiredness.

Lomustine/CCNU

• Lomustine is an alkylating agent used to treat brain tumors and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients take it orally in 40 mg blue and clear capsules. It can cause nausea and vomiting, lowered resistance to infection and low blood counts.

Vincristine

• Vincristine --- also known by its brand name, Oncovin --- is a clear fluid given through a vein by intravenous injection or infusion. Aside from brain tumors, physicians use it to treat acute leukemia, lymphoma and some children's cancers. Hair loss occurs as a side effect in 20 to 70 percent of patients, according to the website Chemocare. Less-common side effects include constipation, low blood counts, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting.