Lomustine

• CCNU
• 1 - (2 -chloroethyl )-3 -cyclohexyl -1 -nitrosourea

L01AD02

Cytostatic

90 ° C

Soluble in chloroform, ethanol and acetone

Risk

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Lomustine, (synonyms: chloroethyl -cyclohexyl -nitroso- urea, abbreviated CCNU ) is a drug, specifically a cytostatic drug from the group of alkylating agents ( nitrosoureas ).

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Nitrosoureas such as carmustine or lomustine change as alkylating all the genetic material and make it unreadable. The affected cells do not divide, and die after a certain time from. This has a particularly severe effect on rapidly dividing cells and cancer cells. In addition, nitrosoureas have the peculiarity that they prevent many repair mechanisms for DNA and thereby increase the carcinogenicity strong.

Lomustine crosses the blood -brain barrier and therefore can often be successfully used against brain tumors. Combinations with surgical removal and radiation possible.

Side effects

• It often leads to bone marrow damage, decreased platelet and white blood cell count, nausea, hair loss. In nitrosoureas these side effects are delayed. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood counts and treatment periods of 6 weeks are needed.
• Renal toxicity
• Especially at high cumulative doses, the risk of cancer, especially leukemia and increased for bladder tumors.
• Rare hardening of lung connective tissue (fibrosis ), or a non-bacterial pneumonia ( Pneumonitis ), is detectable. This often results in shortness of breath and lack of oxygen.