BicNU: profile and news

Temodar®/BiCNU® Prior to and Following Radiation Therapy in ... Jul 20, 2005
French researchers have reported that Temodar (temozolomide) and BiCNU (carmustine) used prior to and following radiation therapy is a promising regimen in ... - Cancer Consultants (press release)

Zanosar® Superior to Doxorubicin for Advanced Carcinoid Tumors Aug 2, 2005
Chemotherapy response rates are low and some of the agents studied include 5-fluorouracil, BiCNU® (carmustine), CeeNU® (lomustine), doxorubicin, dacarbazine ... - Cancer Consultants (press release)

Other information

Indication
For the treatment of brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Pharmacology
Carmustine is one of the nitrosoureas indicated as palliative therapy as a single agent or in established combination therapy with other approved chemotherapeutic agents in treatment of brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Although it is generally agreed that Carmustine alkylates DNA and RNA, it is not cross resistant with other alkylators. As with other nitrosoureas, it may also inhibit several key enzymatic processes by carbamoylation of amino acids in proteins.

Mechanism Of Action
Carmustine causes cross-links in DNA and RNA, leading to the inhibition of DNA synthesis, RNA production and RNA translation (protein synthesis). Carmustine also binds to and modifies (carbamoylates) glutathione reductase. This leads to cell death.

Drug Category
Antineoplastic Agents; ATC:L01AD01

Brand Names/Synonyms
BCNU; Becenun; Bi Cnu; Bicnu; Bischlorethylnitrosourea; Bischlorethylnitrosurea; Carmubris; Carmustin; Carmustine; FDA 0345; Gliadel; Gliadel Wafer; Nitrumon; SRI 1720

Dosage Forms
100 mg single dose vials of lyophilized material

Absorption
5 to 28% bioavailability

Interactions
Interactions for Carmustine:

No information provided.

Chemical IUPAC Name
N-(2-chloroethyl)-1-(2-chloroethylamino)-N-nitroso-methanamide

Chemical Formula
C5H9Cl2N3O2

Half Life
15-30 minutes

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00006

CAS Registry Number
154-93-8