Methyl-Ccnu (Semustine) Publisher



Foroumadi R^{1, 2} ; Baeeri M² Show Affiliations
Source: Encyclopedia of Toxicology# Fourth Edition: Volume 1-9 Published:2023

Abstract

Methyl-CCNU [1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(4-methyl cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea] (CAS no. 13909-09-6) is an experimental chemotherapeutic drug utilized for the treatment of malignancies such as malignant glioma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, epidermoid lung cancer, breast carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. If semustine is breathed, it may be harmful. The oral LD50 for mice is 50mg/kg. It has both antineoplastic and alkylating effects. Semustine has cytotoxic effects at all phases of the cell cycle. Semustine is recognized as a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogen studies in humans. It irritates the respiratory tract, is hazardous to the skin when contacted, and causes eyes and skin irritation. Ingestion may cause nausea and vomiting in humans, harm the kidney glomeruli and tubules, and cause hematuria. One of the significant adverse effects of nitrosourea treatment is pulmonary fibrosis. Semustine is known to induce renal impairment in various forms and is thought to be metabolized by the kidneys and liver. The most recent advancement in this field has been the discovery of hybrid steroid complexes of anticancer drugs, which cause lesser toxicity, considerably less than the cytotoxic drugs alone, and enhance anticancer efficacy. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.