carmustine + irinotecan

Carmustine + irinotecan is a combination chemotherapy regimen used primarily in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and potentially other malignancies. Carmustine (also known as BCNU) is an alkylating agent that works by cross-linking DNA and RNA, thereby inhibiting DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death. Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor; it prevents the religation of single-strand breaks induced during DNA replication, resulting in double-strand breaks and apoptosis. The combination aims to exploit different mechanisms of action for synergistic antitumor effects and to overcome resistance seen with prior therapies such as temozolomide. This regimen has shown activity in patients with GBM who have progressed after standard treatments[1][2][3].

Other names

BCNU + irinotecancarmustine + CPT-11