perrimustine

**Perrimustine (CMSOEN2)** is a water-soluble nitrosourea derivative, chemically N'-(2-chloroethyl)-N-[2-(methylsulfinyl)ethyl]-N'-nitrosourea. It is an alkylating agent designed for anticancer use, structurally related to other nitrosoureas such as BCNU and CCNU but distinguished by the presence of a methylsulfinylethyl side chain. Perrimustine has demonstrated potent cytostatic and alkylating activity against a broad range of tumors, including L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma, glioma 26, and Lewis lung carcinoma, both in preclinical mouse models and early clinical studies. It is notable for a lower haematological toxicity compared to other nitrosoureas, particularly for less severe platelet suppression. Its primary mechanism of action is DNA alkylation via carbamoylation, resulting in inhibition of DNA replication and cell division.

Other names

N'-(2-chloroethyl)-N-[2-(methylsulfinyl)ethyl]-N'-nitrosourea