Carmustine 154-93-8

Uses

It is used in the treatment of several types of brain cancer (including glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, medulloblastoma and astrocytoma), multiple myeloma and lymphoma .

Side effects

Male infertility. Bone marrow may take 6 weeks to recover function following treatment with carmustine. Weekly monitoring of platelet and white blood cell counts are recommended as a basis for patient-specific adjustments to dosage regimens. Bone marrow and pulmonary toxicities are a function of lifetime cumulative dose.

Pulmonary Toxicity

Pulmonary Toxicity characterised by pulmonary infiltrates and/or fibrosis (scarring of the lungs). Cases of fatal pulmonary toxicity have been reported. Delayed onset pulmonary fibrosis

Hematologic Toxicity

Delayed myelosuppression. Thrombocytopenia usually occurs about 4 weeks post administration. Leukopenia occurs approximately 5–6 weeks after administration. Cumulative myelosuppression, manifested by more depressed indices. Anemia also occurs, but is less frequent and less severe than thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. The occurrence of acute leukemia and bone marrow dysplasias have been reported in patients following long-term nitrosourea therapy.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Nausea and vomiting after IV administration are noted frequently. This usually occurs within 2 hours of administration. This is usually dose related. Prior administration of antiemetics is effective in diminishing and sometimes preventing side effects.

Hepatotoxicity

A reversible type of hepatic toxicity, manifested by increased transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels, has been reported in a small percentage of patients.

Nephrotoxicity

Renal abnormalities consisting of progressive azotemia, decrease in kidney size and renal failure have been reported in patients who received large cumulative doses after prolonged therapy. Kidney damage has also been reported occasionally in patients receiving lower total doses.

Implants

In the treatment of brain tumours, the FDA approved biodegradable discs, Gliadel, infused with carmustine can be used. They are implanted under the skull during a surgery called a craniotomy.