vincristine

[ vin-kris-teen ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 46 H 56 N 4 O 10 , derived from the periwinkle, Vinca rosea, used in the management of leukemias and lymphomas.

vincristine

/ vɪnˈkrɪstiːn /

noun

1. a cytotoxic drug used in the treatment of leukaemia, derived as an alkaloid from the tropical shrub Madagascar periwinkle ( Vinca rosea )

Word History and Origins

Origin of vincristine¹

1960–65; < New Latin Vin ( ca ) a periwinkle genus + Latin crist ( a ) crest + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of vincristine¹

C20: from New Latin vinca + Latin crista crest + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Hospitals face drug shortages all the time, like the widely used vincristine for childhood cancer.

From Fox News

“He can relapse. The cancer can come back,” said Paz, after a vital round of chemotherapy was delayed by a week in mid-January due to vincristine shortages in his Mexico City hospital.

From Reuters

Paying more would encourage drug companies to prioritize drugs like vincristine, a critical cancer medicine for children that now sells for just $8 a vial.

From Seattle Times

The drug, vincristine, was produced by both Teva Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer Inc. in the U.S. until July, when the former discontinued making it.

From Fox News

“There is no substitution for vincristine that can be recommended,” Dr. Unguru said.

From New York Times