- May 10, 2022
- Newsletter
- 617-430-5616
Menu
Brand Name :
Gleostine, CCNU
Synonyms :
chloroethylcyclohexylnitrosourea, cinu, cyclohexyl chloroethyl nitrosourea, lomustina, lomustine, lomustinum
Class :
Antineoplastic agents and Nitrosoureas
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Capsule
5mg
10mg
40mg
100mg
Brain Tumor:
For untreated patients, 130 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
patients with compromised bone marrow function as a dose of 100 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
Hodgkin’s Disease:
For untreated patients, 130 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
patients with compromised bone marrow function as a dose of 100 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Capsule
5mg
10mg
40mg
100mg
Brain Tumor:
For untreated patients, 130 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
patients with compromised bone marrow function as a dose of 100 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
Hodgkin’s Disease:
For untreated patients, 130 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
patients with compromised bone marrow function as a dose of 100 mg per m2 orally as a single dose every six weeks
Refer adult dosing
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of infection
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased therapeutic efficacy of the measles virus vaccine
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of bruising, bleeding, unusual weakness, nausea, and stomach pain
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of dangerous blood clots
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of infection
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of liver problems
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increasingly severe side effect that may affect the liver
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased blood level of galantamine
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of kidney damage
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced therapeutic effect of the vaccine
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of severe and life-threatening liver problems
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced therapeutic effect of the vaccine
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of liver problems
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk or severity of adverse effects
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced therapeutic effect of the vaccine by antagonism
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with alkalinizing agents
it may increase the level of serum concentration of memantine
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with alkalinizing agents
It may diminish the excretion when combined with alkalinizing agents
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with alkalinizing agents
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with alkalinizing agents
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with alkalinizing agents
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with alkalinizing agents
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced effect of digoxin
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced effect of ruxolitinib
when both drugs are combined, there may be an enhanced effect of therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity of antineoplastic drugs
when both drugs are combined, there may be an enhanced effect of therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity of antineoplastic drugs
Actions and Spectrum:
Action:
lomustine exerts its effects through alkylation of DNA, which means it adds alkyl groups to specific sites on the DNA molecule. This process results in the cross-linking of DNA strands, inhibiting DNA replication and transcription. As a consequence, the cancer cells’ ability to divide and grow is hindered, leading to their eventual destruction.
Spectrum of Activity:
lomustine is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of brain tumors, including high-grade gliomas and astrocytomas. It may also be employed in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, although its use in these conditions is less common.
Adverse drug reactions:
Frequency defined
>10%
Nausea
Vomiting
1-10%
Myelosuppression
Neurotoxicity
Frequency Not Defined
Ataxia
Alopecia
Elevated LFTs
Hepatic toxicity
Infertility
Optic atrophy
Mucositis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary toxicity
Leukemia
Lethargy
Renal toxicity
Stomatitis
Black Box Warning:
The black box warning for lomustine, an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy, is related to its potential for severe bone marrow suppression, which can lead to serious and life-threatening infections and bleeding.
Contraindication / Caution:
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity: lomustine should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the drug or any of its components.
Bone Marrow Suppression: lomustine can cause bone marrow suppression, which leads to a decrease in blood cell counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). It should not be administered in patients with severe bone marrow suppression or significant cytopenia.
Severe Impairment of Liver or Kidney Function: lomustine is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Patients with severe impairment of liver or kidney function may experience increased toxicity and should avoid using this medication.
Cautions:
Myelosuppression: lomustine can cause myelosuppression, a condition where the bone marrow function is suppressed, leading to decreased production of blood cells. Regular blood cell count monitoring is essential during treatment.
Pulmonary Toxicity: lomustine can cause pulmonary toxicity, including lung fibrosis and pneumonitis. Patients with pre-existing lung conditions or a history of lung diseases should be closely monitored while using lomustine.
Delayed Bone Marrow Toxicity: lomustine can cause delayed bone marrow toxicity, resulting in a decrease in blood cell counts several weeks to months after treatment. Frequent monitoring is necessary even after the completion of the treatment course.
Gastrointestinal Toxicity: lomustine may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms should be managed appropriately to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Increased Risk of Infection: Due to bone marrow suppression, patients taking lomustine are at an increased risk of developing infections. Precautions should be taken to avoid exposure to infections, and any signs of infection should be promptly treated.
Secondary Malignancies: There is a risk of developing secondary malignancies (new cancers) with long-term use of lomustine. The benefit of treatment should be carefully weighed against this risk.
Reproductive Considerations: lomustine can cause fetal harm and is associated with potential risks during pregnancy. It is essential to discuss family planning and contraception options for both men and women before starting treatment.
Pregnancy warnings:
Breastfeeding warnings:
Pregnancy Categories:
Administration:
lomustine is typically administered as an oral medication. It comes in the form of capsules, which should be swallowed whole with water, and it is usually taken on an empty stomach.
The dosing schedule and the duration of treatment depend on the specific type of cancer being treated and the individual patient’s condition.
Generic name: lomustine
pronunciation: lo-mus-tine
Why do we use lomustine?
lomustine is used primarily as an antineoplastic (anticancer) medication. It belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents, which work by damaging the DNA of rapidly dividing cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth and causing their death.
It is commonly used to treat certain types of brain tumors, including primary malignant gliomas (such as glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma). lomustine is sometimes used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It may also be used in the treatment of certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer that originates in the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
lomustine can be utilized in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.
In some cases, lomustine may be used as a part of the treatment for small cell lung cancer.
lomustine is occasionally used as a treatment option for melanoma, a type of skin cancer.