polifeprosan + carmustine

Polifeprosan + carmustine is a **biodegradable polymer-drug combination implant** used as a local chemotherapy for malignant glioma. The drug consists of **polifeprosan 20**, a copolymer of 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane and sebacic acid, which acts as a slow-release matrix, and **carmustine (BCNU)**, an alkylating antineoplastic agent. After surgical resection of brain tumors, the wafer is implanted in the tumor cavity, where polifeprosan slowly degrades and releases carmustine locally, bypassing the blood–brain barrier. Carmustine exerts its antitumor activity by alkylating DNA and RNA, inhibiting DNA replication and RNA/protein synthesis, leading to cell death. The product is approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent malignant glioma, specifically as an adjunct to surgery (and radiation for newly diagnosed cases)[1][2][3].

Brand names

GliadelGliadel Wafer

Other names

carmustine implant waferpolifeprosan 20, 3.85% carmustine waferBCNU wafer