Brand name: BiCNU
Use in Cancer Treatment
Carmustine has an authorization for usage alone or in combination with other medications to treat:
Tumors of the brain (certain types).
Hodgkin lymphoma is a kind of cancer. Experts use it with additional medications for people whose sickness hasn’t responded to prior treatments or has recurred (come back).
Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer that affects the blood cells. Expets use it in conjunction with prednisone.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a kind of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Experts use it with additional medications for people whose sickness hasn’t responded to prior treatments or has recurred (come back).
Researchers are also researching Carmustine for use in the treatment of other cancers.
Carmustine is also available as a carmustine implant, which is a distinct kind of carmustine.
Definition:
Nitrosourea is an antineoplastic nitrosourea. During all phases of the cell cycle, carmustine alkylates and crosslinks DNA, causing DNA function to be disrupted, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. This chemical also carbamoylates proteins, including DNA repair enzymes, increasing their cytotoxicity. Carmustine is a lipophilic substance that easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier.
More information:
Carmustine Facts on MedlinePlus – A summary of key information regarding this medication in layman’s terms, which may contain the following:
Cautions about this medicine; what it’s used for and how it’s used; what you should tell your doctor before taking it; things you should know about it before using it; other drugs that might interact with it; and also possible negative effects
Doctors frequently investigate drugs to see whether they can assist treat or prevent conditions other than those for which they have an authorization. This patient information leaflet only covers authorized uses of medications. Much of the material, though, might also apply to authorized uses which are under investigation.
