PCV regimen
Pronunciation: P-C-V REH-jih-men
Also written as: PCV — Procarbazine, CCNU (Lomustine), and Vincristine
A chemotherapy protocol combining three agents commonly used for treating oligodendroglial tumors.
Full Definition
The PCV regimen is a three-drug chemotherapy combination consisting of procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine, primarily used in treating anaplastic oligodendrogliomas and mixed gliomas. This protocol gained prominence following clinical trials demonstrating improved survival when combined with radiation therapy in tumors with 1p/19q codeletion. The regimen typically involves six cycles administered over several months, with careful monitoring for hematological toxicity and peripheral neuropathy. PCV has largely been replaced by temozolomide in many centers due to better tolerability.
Usage
Usage note: CCNU should be parenthetically clarified as lomustine when first mentioned.
In Context
- "The patient with 1p/19q codeleted anaplastic oligodendroglioma was started on PCV regimen following radiation." — Oncology treatment plan
- "Cycle 3 of PCV regimen was delayed due to grade 3 neutropenia." — Chemotherapy administration notes