Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Lomustine, intermediate dose cytarabine

This combination uses lomustine (a nitrosourea alkylating agent) and intermediate-dose cytarabine (a nucleoside antimetabolite) to damage cancer cell DNA and inhibit DNA synthesis.

This combination uses lomustine (a nitrosourea alkylating agent) and intermediate-dose cytarabine (a nucleoside antimetabolite) to damage cancer cell DNA and inhibit DNA synthesis. Used for Acute leukemia (likely acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Lomustine is a lipophilic alkylating agent that cross-links DNA strands, while cytarabine at intermediate doses inhibits DNA polymerase and incorporates into DNA to disrupt replication. Together, they provide complementary cytotoxic mechanisms targeting rapidly dividing leukemic cells. This combination is typically used in acute leukemia treatment protocols.

Approved indications

• Acute leukemia (likely acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia)

Common side effects

• Myelosuppression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mucositis
• Infection
• Hepatotoxicity
• Neurotoxicity (cytarabine-related)

Key clinical trials

• A Study Comparing Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (HSCTs) From Young Non-first-degree and Older First-degree Donors in Hematological Malignancies (PHASE3)
• Dexamethasone Added to Intensive Chemotherapy in Older Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) (PHASE2)
• The Optimization of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
• GOELAMS SA4 Study: the Role of Fludarabine in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Elderly (PHASE3)
• Treatment Outcome in Elderly Patients (PHASE3)
• Lomustine and Intermediate Dose Cytarabine in Older Patients With AML (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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