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Carmustine BCNU
Carmustine is a nitrosourea alkylating agent that cross-links DNA strands, preventing cell replication and inducing cancer cell death.
Carmustine is a nitrosourea alkylating agent that cross-links DNA strands, preventing cell replication and inducing cancer cell death. Used for Brain tumors (glioblastoma, high-grade gliomas), Lymphomas, Leukemias.
At a glance
| Generic name | Carmustine BCNU |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Gruppo Italiano Multiregionale per lo studio dei Linfomi e delle Leucemie |
| Drug class | Nitrosourea alkylating agent |
| Target | DNA (non-specific alkylating agent) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Carmustine works by alkylating DNA at multiple sites, forming inter- and intra-strand cross-links that disrupt DNA replication and transcription. This leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. It is lipophilic and can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly useful for CNS malignancies.
Approved indications
- Brain tumors (glioblastoma, high-grade gliomas)
- Lymphomas
- Leukemias
Common side effects
- Myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pulmonary fibrosis (delayed, cumulative)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Nephrotoxicity
- Secondary malignancy
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
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
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