Carmustine (BCNU)

 IUPAC nomenclature

1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea

Classification

Carmustine falls under the category of alkyl Nitrosoureas alkalyting agents.

Physiochemical Properties

Mechanism of Action

• Carmustine cross links the DNA strands through alkylation. This results in the disruption of DNA function and it leads to apoptosis of cell.
• Along with alkylation, Carmustine also carbomylates the proteins, which also includes the enzymes like DNA repair enzymes.
• It is highly lipophillic and can cross the blood brain barrier very easily. [1]

Structural Activity Relationship

• Binding with the amino group will increase the oral route availability of the drug
• The introduction of the substituted phenyl group will also increases the oral route availability of the drug.
• Aromatic ring introduction will increase the stability of the drug.
• Aromatic ring will further increase the distribution of the drug throughout the body.
• Benzimidazole ring can provide the local and faster action of the drug.
• Benzimidazol will further decrease the half life of compound.

Methods of Synthesis

Carmustine is synthesized through nitrosation with sodium nitrite of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)urea in an acidic and cold medium.

Therapeutic Uses

• Carmustine is used for the treatment of brain tumors, brainstem glioma, glioblastoma, metastatic brain tumors, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, astrocytoma and ependymoma
• Multiple mylomas, hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas can also be cured with Carmustine. [2]

Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting and CNS effects are common.
• Facial flushing and low blood counts are also side effects of Carmustine.
• High doses of this drug may lead to pulmonary toxicity.

MCQs

Q.1 “1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea” is the IUPAC nomenclature of which drug?

a) Cyclophosphamide

b) Carmustine

c) Dacarbazine

d) Methotrexate

Q.2 Predict the incorrect statement related to therapeutic uses of drug Carmustine

a) Carmustine is used for the treatment of low blood counts

b) Carmustine is used for the treatment of multiple myelomas

c) Carmustine is used for the treatment of brain tumors

d) Carmustine is used for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Q.3 Match the following with respect to the SAR of drug Carmustine

 a) i-A, ii-D, iii-C, iv-B

b) i-D, ii-C, iii-B, iv-A

c) i-C, ii-B, iii-D, iv-A

d) i-B, ii-C, iii-A, iv-D

Q.4 Which amongst the following drugs shows its effect through alkylation?

a) Carmustine

b) Lomustine

c) Dacarbazine

d) All of the above

Q.5  Carmustine drug belongs to which class?

a) Antibiotics

b) Taxanes

c) Purine antagonist

d) Alkylating agents

Q.6 Which of the following is not a side effect of drug Carmustine

a) Facial flushing

b) Low blood counts

c) Brain tumors

d) Pulmonary toxicity

 Q.7 Which amongst the following drugs is having least number of ring system in its structure-

a) Lomustine

b) Carmustine

c) Dacarbazine

d) Morphine

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ANSWERS

1-b

2-a

3-d

4-d

5-d

6-c

7-b

References