BCNU

BCNU goes by the generic name of Carmustine and the trade name of BiCNU. A cytotoxic or an anti-cancer drug this comes under the classified group of alkylating agents.

What is the use of this drug?

This drug is used to treat medulloblastoma, metastatic brain tumors, astrocytoma etc all of which are types of brain cancers or tumors. Apart from this it is used to treat multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, lung and colon cancer etc.

Mode of treatment

An intravenous drug this does not come in any other form. Gliade wafer another medication with the same chemical combination is placed in the cavity post surgery where this drug works directly on the brain tumor. The amount that is administered depends upon various factors like the overall body structure, general health, type and stage of cancer.

What are the side effects of BCNU?

Reversible side effects which are visible from the onset to the end of the treatment cycle, there are various option and preventive methods to minimize the side effects. Higher the drug dose more the severe the side effects.

Some of the common side effects are nausea and vomiting, facial flushing, decrease in the blood count both white blood cells, red blood cells as well as the platelet counts leading to infection, anemia and bleeding. Pain at the injected site etc. Hypotension where there an high dosage of this drug, loss of coordination, retinal bleeding etc.

Some of the slow side effects

• Damage to the lungs especially those who have had a previous history of respiratory and lung ailments. There are chances of developing blood cancer especially leukemia after the use of BCNU.
• You need to consult your health care provider if any of the following signs and symptoms persists for more than 24 hrs.
• High fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, bruising, bleeding in other body parts, blood in the urine or stool, eye sores etc.

Certain precautions

Inform your health care provider about all the medications that you are presently on including herbal and vitamin supplements, inform about any immunization or vaccination, avoid breast feeding, conceiving and inform about any impending pregnancy.

Self help tips

Use warm compressors on the IV site to prevent redness and pain, avoid crowded places as you are immune to infections, follow a good hygiene, a healthy and balanced nutritional diet, use soft toothbrush to avoid bleeding of the gums, avoid contact sports, exposure to sun, increase fluid intake, get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the proper functioning of all the internal body parts. You also need to get your pulmonary function tests done regularly to monitor the proper functioning of your lungs prior to the treatment cycle and also after the completion of the treatment cycle.

How does this drug work?

Cancer is the uncontrolled division of the growth cells of the body which leads to tumor and at the same time destroys the growth of the normal cells. As an alkylating agent BCNU induces the self destruction of these cancer cells and helps shrink the tumor in the brain.