BCNU + papaverine

BCNU + papaverine is an experimental combination therapy consisting of two small molecule drugs: - **BCNU (carmustine)** is a nitrosourea alkylating agent used primarily as chemotherapy for brain tumors (including glioblastoma and other gliomas), multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It works by alkylating DNA and RNA, leading to cross-linking and inhibition of replication and transcription in rapidly dividing cells. Carmustine can also carbamoylate proteins to inhibit key enzymatic processes. It crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively due to its high lipid solubility[1][3][5]. - **Papaverine** is a vasodilator that acts primarily by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes leading to increased levels of cyclic AMP and GMP in smooth muscle cells; this results in relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. In oncology research settings, it has been studied as a potential adjunct to improve tumor blood flow or oxygenation when combined with cytotoxic agents like BCNU. The combination has been investigated preclinically as a means to enhance delivery or efficacy of chemotherapy within solid tumors by modulating tumor vasculature with papaverine while delivering cytotoxic effects via BCNU.

Other names

carmustine + papaverinebis-chloroethylnitrosourea + papaverine