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CCNU
CCNU (lomustine) is a nitrosourea alkylating agent that cross-links DNA strands, preventing cell replication and inducing cancer cell death.
CCNU (lomustine) 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), Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
At a glance
| Generic name | CCNU |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Radiation Therapy Oncology Group |
| Drug class | Nitrosourea alkylating agent |
| Target | DNA (non-selective alkylating agent) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
CCNU belongs to the nitrosourea class of chemotherapy drugs and works by alkylating DNA, forming covalent bonds that cross-link the DNA double helix. This prevents DNA replication and transcription, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is lipophilic and can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly useful for brain tumors.
Approved indications
- Brain tumors (glioblastoma, high-grade gliomas)
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Melanoma
Common side effects
- Myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cumulative bone marrow toxicity
- Secondary malignancy
- Pulmonary fibrosis (with cumulative dose)
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- Anti-Lag-3 (Relatlimab) and Anti-PD-1 Blockade (Nivolumab) Versus Standard of Care (Lomustine) for the Treatment of Patients With Recurrent Glioblastoma (PHASE2)
- Study on the Efficacy and Safety of the TmBU Conditioning Regimen in High-risk or Relapsed/Refractory Acute Leukemia (PHASE2)
- Study of TLX101-Tx Plus Standard of Care (SoC) Versus SoC Alone for the Treatment of Patients With Recurrent Glioblastoma (PHASE3)
- Comprehensive Analysis of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy Outcomes in Recurrent Malignant Gliomas
- A Study of Treatment for Medulloblastoma Using Sodium Thiosulfate to Reduce Hearing Loss (PHASE3)
- Reduced Craniospinal Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in Treating Younger Patients With Newly Diagnosed WNT-Driven Medulloblastoma (PHASE2)
- Lomustine With and Without Reirradiation for First Progression of Glioblastoma: a Randomized Phase III Study (PHASE3)
- Testing the Addition of the Chemotherapy Drug Lomustine (Gleostine) to the Usual Treatment (Temozolomide and Radiation Therapy) for Newly Diagnosed MGMT Methylated Glioblastoma (PHASE3)
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
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- CCNU CI brief — competitive landscape report
- CCNU updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Radiation Therapy Oncology Group portfolio CI