Home All Therapies CCNU / CeeNU

CCNU / CeeNU

lomustine
Alkylating Agent (Nitrosourea) FDA Approved 1976 NextSource Biotechnology
Route
Oral
Half-Life
~1-2 days (parent); active metabolites 16-48 hrs
FDA Approved
1976
Manufacturer
NextSource Biotechnology
1. Indications and Usage

Brain tumors (primary and metastatic) after surgical and/or radiotherapeutic procedures. Hodgkin disease in combination with other chemotherapy agents after primary therapy has failed. Also used off-label in recurrent glioblastoma.

2. Dosage and Administration

130 mg/m² orally as a single dose every 6 weeks. Dose adjustments required for hematologic toxicity. Administer on an empty stomach to reduce nausea.

5. Warnings and Precautions

Myelosuppression (nadir 4-6 weeks): Delayed, cumulative; requires 6-week dosing interval. Pulmonary Fibrosis: With cumulative doses. Secondary Malignancies. Hepatotoxicity. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity.

6. Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions

Thrombocytopenia (65%), leukopenia (65%), nausea/vomiting (45-50%), anorexia (common), alopecia (common)

Consult the complete prescribing information for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions and their frequencies.

12. Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action

Lomustine (CCNU) alkylates and crosslinks DNA strands, inhibiting DNA synthesis and inducing cell death. As a lipophilic molecule, it crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively, making it particularly useful for CNS tumors. It also carbamoylates proteins via its isocyanate moiety.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life: ~1-2 days (parent); active metabolites 16-48 hrs. Route: Oral. Refer to the full prescribing information for complete pharmacokinetic data.

14. Clinical Studies
Pivotal Clinical Trials
CeTeG/NOA-09
Lomustine + temozolomide vs temozolomide alone in MGMT-methylated GBM. Phase III, n=141.
NCT01149109 ↗

Clinical efficacy and safety data are available in the full prescribing information and referenced publications.

External Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CCNU / CeeNU (lomustine) approved for?

Brain tumors (primary and metastatic) after surgical and/or radiotherapeutic procedures. Hodgkin disease in combination with other chemotherapy agents after primary therapy has failed. Also used off-label in recurrent glioblastoma.

How does CCNU / CeeNU (lomustine) work?

Lomustine (CCNU) alkylates and crosslinks DNA strands, inhibiting DNA synthesis and inducing cell death. As a lipophilic molecule, it crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively, making it particularly useful for CNS tumors. It also carbamoylates proteins via its isocyanate moiety.

What are the most common side effects?

Thrombocytopenia (65%), leukopenia (65%), nausea/vomiting (45-50%), anorexia (common), alopecia (common)

View by Tumor Type
Brain Cancer Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Medical Disclaimer: This page is intended as a navigational reference to FDA prescribing information. It does not replace the full prescribing information. Healthcare professionals should consult the complete package insert available at DailyMed before making prescribing decisions.