PCV chemotherapy
Also written as: PCV — Procarbazine, CCNU, Vincristine
A three-drug chemotherapy regimen combining procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine, standard treatment for oligodendrogliomas.
Full Definition
PCV chemotherapy is a combination treatment regimen consisting of procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine, widely used in the treatment of oligodendrogliomas and mixed oligoastrocytomas. This regimen became the standard of care following landmark clinical trials demonstrating improved overall survival when combined with radiation therapy, particularly in tumors with 1p/19q codeletion. The treatment is typically administered in 6-week cycles, with specific dosing schedules that account for the drugs' different mechanisms of action and toxicity profiles. PCV has largely replaced single-agent temozolomide in oligodendroglioma treatment protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as 'PCV'; spell out component drugs on first mention in formal documents.
In Context
- "The treatment plan includes six cycles of PCV chemotherapy following radiation therapy." — oncology treatment note
- "PCV demonstrated superior efficacy compared to temozolomide in 1p/19q codeleted gliomas." — clinical trial report