Lomustine

Diagram of the molecular structure of Lomustine
Brand name: CeeNU®
IUPAC: 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea
FDA approval: Yes
Manufacturer Link
Usage:

Lomustine (CeeNU®) is used in early stage and metastaticThe term for a cancer that has spread beyond its point of origin. Metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths. brain tumors, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomaA cancer arising in the lymphatic system. The white blood cells affected are part of the body's immune system. The lymphatic system is a large network of vessels that carry fluid and cells of the immune system around the body. Lymph nodes are regional collection centers in the lymphatic system. See also, 'lymphatic system'.. Lomustine is administered in pill form.1

Mechanism:

Lomustine forms reactive metabolites which cause cross-linking of DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. and inhibition of DNA synthesis through a process that interferes with the creation of DNA, RNAAlso: ribonucleic acid. RNA is a polymer comprised of the nucleotides A, C, G and U. RNA is the working form of our genetic information. RNA is produced via the process of transcription. Some RNA is used to help build ribosomes (rRNA) and some (mRNA) are used to guide the formation of proteins. Other forms of RNA are used to perform specialized functions in the nucleus. and proteins.1

The molecular structure above shows the 3D conformer Lomustine.

Side effects:

Common side effects include myelosupression, nausea and vomiting, birth defects, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, excessive bleeding, difficulty walking, diarrhea, lethargy. Women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should not take this drug as birth defects are a possibility. There is also an increased tendency to bleed making it necessary that the person not take aspirin as it 'thins' the blood, further increasing bleeding potential. Lomustine may have a negative effects on the the immune system. Because of this, patients should not receive immunizations while being treated. 1

  • 1.a. b. c. Chu, E., & DeVita, V. T. (2015). Physicians' cancer chemotherapy drug manual 2015. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.