Nitrosourea

Nitrosoureas are a class of chemotherapeutic drugs that are used in the treatment of cancer. They are alkylating agents that interfere with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing.

History

Nitrosoureas were first synthesized in the 1950s as part of a research program to develop new antineoplastic agents. The first nitrosourea to be used clinically was Carmustine, which was approved by the FDA in 1977.

Mechanism of Action

Nitrosoureas work by alkylating the DNA of cancer cells. This causes the DNA strands to cross-link, which prevents the DNA from being properly replicated. As a result, the cancer cells are unable to divide and grow. Nitrosoureas are also Lipophilic, which allows them to cross the Blood-brain barrier, making them effective in treating brain tumors.

Types of Nitrosoureas

There are several types of nitrosoureas, including:

• Carmustine
• Lomustine
• Semustine
• Streptozocin

Each of these drugs has a slightly different chemical structure, which can affect their potency and side effects.

Side Effects

Like all chemotherapeutic drugs, nitrosoureas can cause side effects. These can include Nausea, Vomiting, Hair loss, and Bone marrow suppression. However, the severity of these side effects can vary depending on the specific drug and the dose used.

Future Research

Research is ongoing to develop new nitrosoureas with fewer side effects and greater efficacy. This includes the development of nitrosoureas that are more selective in their action, targeting only cancer cells and sparing healthy cells.