Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

BiCNU

BiCNU is a chemotherapy medication that works by interfering with DNA replication and cell division.

BiCNU is a chemotherapy medication that works by interfering with DNA replication and cell division. Used for Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Ovarian cancer.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

It does this by crosslinking DNA strands, which prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing. This leads to cell death and ultimately, tumor shrinkage.

Approved indications

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Melanoma
• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Wilms' tumor
• Retinoblastoma

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leukopenia
• Neutropenia
• Infection

Key clinical trials

• Ibrutinib Before and After Stem Cell Transplant in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (PHASE3)
• A Study of Carmustine With and Without Ethanol in Subjects With Lymphoma (PHASE2)
• Ruxolitinib-Decitabine Intensified Conditioning Regimen for AML: A Randomized Trial (PHASE4)
• Trial for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma (PHASE2)
• A Study of Melphalan in People With Lymphoma Getting an Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (PHASE1)
• Comprehensive Analysis of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy Outcomes in Recurrent Malignant Gliomas
• Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Neurologic Autoimmune Diseases (PHASE2)
• Genetically Modified T-cells (CMV-Specific CD19-CAR T-cells) Plus a Vaccine (CMV-MVA Triplex) Following Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Intermediate or High Grade B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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