In vitro evaluation of vincristine and fluconazole combination against Candida

Infections associated with cancer are a major scourge and cause of substantial morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. The aim of present study was to appraise the in vitro activity of anticancer agent vincristine and antifungal fluconazole alone and in combination against Candida spp. Results were interpreted in terms of fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). Antifungal activity of fluconazole showed marked synergism when used in combination with vincristine, with FICI ranging from 0.25-0.5 against different Candida spp. Although, the use of vincristine with fluconazole is always disputed due to its side effects including decreased peristalsis, but the present research can help to perform suitability analysis of fluconazole use in life threatening invasive candidiasis associated with cancer patients. In addition, the synergism in antifungal activity after using with vincristine also warrants further research in the direction of minimizing adverse reaction associated with combined use of fluconazole and vincristine.