APHON Chemotherapy Course Practice Test 2025 - Free Chemotherapy Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid that is commonly used in the treatment of various hematological malignancies and solid tumors. However, it is important to note that vincristine must never be administered intrathecally (directly into the spinal canal) due to the serious and often fatal consequences associated with this route of administration. Intrathecal administration of vincristine can lead to severe neurotoxicity, resulting in profound and irreversible damage to the central nervous system, which can culminate in death.

This severe complication occurs because vincristine is not formulated for intrathecal use, and its potency in the central nervous system is much more pronounced when delivered this way. Therefore, strict precautions are put in place to ensure that vincristine is only given via the intravenous route, mitigating the risk of such catastrophic outcomes.

In contrast, the other drugs listed, while having their own side effects and precautions, are not associated with the same level of fatal risk when given intrathecally as vincristine. This highlights the importance of understanding the proper routes of administration for chemotherapeutic agents and the potentially irreversible consequences of incorrect usage.