Lomustine, also known by the abbreviation CCNU, is an alkylating nitrosourea compound used in chemotherapy. It is highly soluble in fat, which lets it cross the blood brain barrier, making it especially useful for treating brain tumors, though it is also used for Hodgkin lymphoma. As a bifunctional alkylating agent it creates cross links between strands of DNA and can inhibit other enzymatic processes needed for cell division. The United States approved lomustine in 1976 for high grade gliomas, and it remains the standard of care for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme in Europe.
Facts
Drug ClassAlkylating nitrosourea chemotherapy compound 1 Mechanism of ActionForms electrophilic alkylating products that attack nucleophilic sites on DNA and RNA 1 Approved UseTreats brain tumors and progressive Hodgkin lymphoma 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskCauses delayed, dose-dependent, cumulative myelosuppression 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountL: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents 2 Route of Administration Connections
Sources
1. Lomustine (Wikipedia)
Lead section
Lomustine (INN; abbreviated as CCNU; original brand name CeeNU, now marketed as Gleostine) is an alkylating nitrosourea compound used in chemotherapy.
Mechanism of action section
These products are electrophilic, and they attack nucleophilic sites on DNA and RNA to form alkylated products.
Medical uses section
indicated by the FDA for the treatment of patients with brain tumors (primary and metastatic), following any necessary surgery and radiation, as well as for treatment of progressive Hodgkin's lymphoma
History section
Lomustine was approved by the FDA to treat high-grade gliomas in 1976.
Safety section
Lomustine causes myelosupression in a delayed, dose-dependent, and cumulative fashion.
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code LQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code L
Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
3. Lomustine (Wikipedia)
WikipediaInfobox drug, routes_of_administrationQuote, Infobox drug, routes_of_administration
Oral (capsules)
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