PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Nimustine”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Neuro-Oncology Working Group 01 trial of nimustine plus teniposide versus nimustine plus cytarabine chemotherapy in addition to involved-field radiotherapy in the first-line treatment of malignant glioma.

PURPOSE: The role of chemotherapy in the primary treatment of malignant glioma remains controversial. The results from the German-Austrian Glioma trial (GAG, 1983 to 1988) demonstrated a survival benefit for chemotherapy using carmustine (BCNU) plus teniposide (VM26) over BCNU alone in addition to radiotherapy in patients with a Karnofsky performance score (KPS) more than 60. The Neuro-Oncology Working Group (NOA) of the German Cancer Society therefore compared the efficacy of nimustine (ACNU) plus VM26 and ACNU plus cytarabine (Ara-C) chemotherapy in addition to standard radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed malignant glioma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1994 to 2000, 375 patients were randomly assigned to receive radiotherapy and cycles of ACNU 90 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on day 1 and VM26 60 mg/m2 IV on days 1 to 3 (n = 183), or ACNU 90 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and Ara-C 120 mg/m2 IV on days 1 to 3 (n = 179), in 6-week intervals. Thirteen patients were not eligible after central neuropathology review. The remaining 362 patients had glioblastoma (n = 301) or anaplastic glioma (n = 61). RESULTS: Median survival and 2-year survival rates were 17.3 months and 25% for ACNU plus VM26, and 15.7 months and 29% for ACNU plus Ara-C in glioblastoma, and 60 months and 88% for ACNU plus VM26 and 62.5 months and 72% for ACNU plus Ara-C in anaplastic glioma. Multivariate analysis revealed no survival advantage for either arm or for subpopulations defined by histology, age, or KPS. Hematologic toxicity was more prominent in the ACNU plus Ara-C arm. CONCLUSION: The median survival times and 2-year survival rates for patients with anaplastic glioma and glioblastoma achieved in the NOA-01 trial compare favorably with historical trials and with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group database. The toxicity profile favors ACNU plus VM26 for further evaluation.

Adolescent↗

Phase II trial of nimustine (ACNU; 3-[4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl) methyl]-1-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea hydrochloride) in patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung after failure on combination chemotherapy.

Thirty-nine previously treated patients received Nimustine in a phase II trial to test the therapeutic activity in refractory small cell lung cancer. Nimustine was given as a direct i.v. injection of 100 mg/m2 with treatments repeated every six weeks. Three partial remissions of 56, 123 and 355 days duration were noted among 34 evaluable patients. Thrombocytopenia was prominent with a median platelet nadir of 47,000/microliter. We conclude that Nimustine has minor antitumor-activity in heavily pretreated patients with small cell lung cancer. The definitive value of Nimustine in the treatment of small cell lung cancer, as well as its superiority over its parent compounds remains to be established.

Aged↗

Modulation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase-mediated nimustine resistance in recurrent malignant gliomas by streptozotocin--a preliminary report.

This trial is based on the strategy of reversing O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-mediated nimustine resistance by depleting MGMT activity with streptozotocin (STZ) pretreatment. Eight patients with recurrent malignant gliomas refractory to previous nimustine chemotherapy were entered in this study. Patients received STZ (2g/m2) followed one hour with nimustine (2-3 mg/Kg) via the ipsilateral carotid artery. After 1-2 cycles of therapy, 3 patients responded, 4 stabilized, and 1 failed. Toxic effects were generally tolerated. The preliminary results indicated that nimustine-resistant tumor cells in vivo could also be sensitized by modulation of MGMT activity.

Adult↗

Phase II study of nimustine in metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group.

The EORTC Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group has conducted a phase II trial in 33 eligible patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma with nimustine 100 mg/m2 every 6 weeks. In 31 evaluable patients there were 3 (10%) partial responses lasting 4.5, 6 and 7.5 months, and 5 cases of stable disease. 12 patients had progressive disease and 11 patients early progressive disease. Toxicity consisted mainly of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia and nausea and vomiting. It is concluded that nimustine has only minor activity in soft tissue sarcoma.

Adult↗

Rapid and simple method for the determination of nimustine hydrochloride in human blood and brain by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A simple method for the determination of nimustine hydrochloride in blood and brain by high-performance liquid chromatography was developed. A pH 4.52 buffer was used in the extraction from blood and a pH 5.0 buffer was used for brain. A pre-packed Extrelut column was used to make the extraction procedure uncomplicated. At room temperature light-resistant test-tubes were unnecessary. The lower limit of detection was 50 ng/ml for blood and 100 ng/g for brain. This method may be useful for the determination of nimustine hydrochloride in blood and brain samples from patients.

Animals↗

A phase II study of metastatic melanoma treated with a combination of interferon alfa 2b, dacarbazine and nimustine.

52 patients with metastatic melanoma have been treated with a combination of recombinant interferon-alfa-2b, dacarbazine and nimustine. The objective response rate was 23% with 9 complete responses (CR) and 3 partial responses (PR). The mean duration of the response was 18+ months for CR (6-31+ months) and 7 months for PR patients (4-10 months). The mean survivals were 24+ months (8-38 months) and 7 months (4-12 months), respectively. The mean duration of the response for patients with stable disease was 10+ months (2-48+ months) and the mean survival 17+ months (3-48+ months), while the patients with progressive disease died within 12 months (mean 4 months). The best responding sites were the lymph node, the lung and the subcutaneous metastases. Myelosuppression was the main adverse effect of the therapy. WHO grade 3-4 toxicity was seen in 27 patients leading to delay and reduced dosage of therapy; in 4 patients treatment was discontinued, 8 patients had no side effects. Combination therapy with interferon and dacarbazine and nimustine for metastatic melanoma offers no advantage over interferon and dacarbazine.

Adult↗

Phase II study of nimustine, carboplatin, vincristine, and interferon-beta with radiotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme: experience of the Kyoto Neuro-Oncology Group.

OBJECT: This Phase II study was performed to determine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of combining nimustine (ACNU)-carboplatin-vincristine-Interferon-beta (IFNbeta) chemotherapy. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with Karnofsky Performance Scale scores of 50 or greater were enrolled in the study. Nimustine (60 mg/m2), carboplatin (110 mg/m2), vincristine (0.6 mg/m2), and IFNbeta (10 microg) were administered on Day 1 concomitant with radiotherapy (63 Gy); vincristine (0.6 mg/m2) and IFNbeta (10 microg) on Days 8 and 15; and IFNbeta alone (10 microg) three times per week throughout the course of radiotherapy. Fifty-six days after radiotherapy ended, the time schedule for chemotherapy was reset and ACNU, carboplatin, vincristine, and IFNbeta were again administered on the new Day 1 and vincristine and IFNbeta on the new Days 8 and 15. This course was repeated every 56 days. Instances of nonhematological toxicity were rare and mild. During the course of radiotherapy, the percentages of patients who experienced Grade 3 toxicity were 14% with neurocytopenia and 7% with thrombocytopenia. Seven percent of all adjuvant chemotherapy cycles following radiotherapy were associated with Grade 3 toxicity, as manifested in neurocytopenia or thrombocytopenia. No instance of Grade 4 toxicity was observed. The median duration of progression-free survival was 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 8-12 months) and the median duration of overall survival was 16 months (95% CI 13-20 months). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of ACNU-carboplatin-vincristine-IFNbeta chemotherapy and radiotherapy is safe and well tolerated, and may prolong survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

Adult↗

Adjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy with nimustine in the management of World Health Organization Grade IV gliomas of the brain. Experience at the Department of Neurosurgery of Düsseldorf University.

A protocol with postoperative adjuvant intraarterial (ia) chemotherapy using nimustine (ACNU) was followed at the University of Düsseldorf (Federal Republic of Germany) after histologic confirmation of malignant glioma of the brain. The first iaACNU procedure was performed within 10 days of surgery, and immediately before postoperative irradiation. After radiotherapy further iaACNU courses were given. The study population consisted of 35 primarily treated malignant gliomas World Health Organization (WHO) Grade IV, i.e., glioblastomas (NIV). Of these tumors 11 showed early progressive disease (PD) (NIV primPD), whereas 24 had stable or responsive disease (NIV SD&RD). Seven patients with recurrent malignant gliomas WHO Grade IV (NIV recurrent) were also treated plus six patients with malignant gliomas WHO Grade III (NIII). Experience with 50 treated patients resulted from this study. The median survival time (MST) for the group NIV was 14.2 months; 41.0% of patients were long-term survivors. The MST for the group NIV primPD was 7.8 months; 9.1% of patients were long-term survivors. For the group NIV SD&RD a MST of 18.3 months and 66.7% of long-term survivors were determined. Patients with recurrent tumors on this treatment protocol had an additional MST of 6.1 months. The total MST after first surgery was 16.2 months. The incidence of complications was low. Systemic complications were infrequent or rare. Retinal disturbances were seen in two patients; leukoencephalopathy was not seen in our patients. In 10% of patients cerebral complications were found, which were irreversible in 2% of patients. Complications could not be assigned unequivocally to the nitrosourea. These results compare favorably with what is reported in the literature, demonstrate the potential value of iaACNU in the treatment of malignant gliomas WHO Grade IV, and should encourage the initiation of a randomized clinical trial of adjuvant iaACNU in the therapy of these tumors. The authors propose iaACNU as a valuable approach in the management of primarily diagnosed malignant gliomas WHO Grade IV, but cannot recommend the delay of iaACNU until the recurrence of a brain tumor.

Adult↗

Cardiovascular anomalies produced by nimustine hydrochloride in the rat fetus.

The cardiovascular teratogenicity of nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) was studied in rat fetuses. This drug is a nitrosourea derivative anticancer agent and produces alkylation of DNA. Pregnant Donryu rats were treated with single doses of 10, 11 or 13 mg/kg of the teratogen at various stages during gestation. Examination of the hearts was performed by microdissection after sacrificing the animals on the 20th day of gestation. The highest frequency of cardiovascular anomalies was found in the groups treated on the 8th day of gestation, but there was no difference in the rates induced by the three dosages of ACNU administered. The most common cardiovascular anomalies observed were ventricular septal defect (76.8%) and double outlet right ventricle (10.3%). A considerable number of affected fetuses (37/263) showed complex cardiac anomalies with atrioventricular (AV) malalignment and other AV valve anomalies. These anomalies include: double inlet left ventricle, straddling AV valve, atresia or stenosis of the AV valve, and dysplastic AV valve. ACNU appears to be a useful teratogenic agent for inducing complexes of cardiac anomalies which include AV malalignment.

Animals↗

Pathogenesis of persistent truncus arteriosus induced by nimustine hydrochloride in chick embryos.

Nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) is a nitrosourea derivative anticancer agent which has been shown to cause persistent truncus arteriosus in chick embryos. The objective of this study was to confirm the teratogenic effects of ACNU on the cardiovascular system of chick embryos and to determine whether ACNU induces persistent truncus arteriosus by interfering with neural crest cells. Various doses of ACNU ranging from 10 to 200 micrograms were injected under the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos on the third day of incubation. Saline solution was used as the control. After 10 to 11 days of incubation, 242 (46%) survivors of the 524 treated eggs were obtained. The survival rates of the embryos and the frequencies of cardiovascular anomalies were dose dependent. Of 146 embryos with cardiovascular anomalies, 104 (71%) had persistent truncus arteriosus. Ventricular septal defect and double-outlet right ventricle were seen in 37 (25%) and one (1%), respectively. Aortic arch anomalies were seen in 116 embryos (79%). Quail-chick chimeras (chick embryos with quail cardiac neural crest) were treated with 50 micrograms of ACNU and examined histologically 24 hours later. These chimeras showed dying neural crest cells in the pharyngeal arches. Dying cells were also noted in the neural tube, cranial ganglia, retina, and otocyst. These results suggest that persistent truncus arteriosus in chick embryos treated with ACNU is induced by neural crest cell death.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Intratumoral microinfusion of nimustine (ACNU) for recurrent glioma.

We investigated stereotactic intratumoral microinfusion of nimustine (ACNU) in recurrent brain tumors. Eligibility required histologic confirmation of glioma recurrence despite standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as enhancement of the recurrence with gadolinium on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total intratumoral dose of 10 mg of ACNU was administered continuously with a microinfusion pump over an average of 13h. Fifteen infusions were given in nine patients. All patients completed the treatment safely. On MRI, necrotic changes surrounded the infusion area in all patients, and tumor progression was inhibited or performance score was improved in seven of nine patients. No symptomatic systemic toxicity was evident, although one patient developed permanent left oculomotor palsy locally after treatment of a left medial temporal tumor. It is concluded that direct microinfusion of ACNU into recurrent gliomas can induce tumor necrosis and inhibit tumor growth.

Adult↗

Pharmacokinetics of nimustine, methotrexate, and cytosine arabinoside during cerebrospinal fluid perfusion chemotherapy in patients with disseminated brain tumors.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) perfusion chemotherapy. METHODS: We administered CSF perfusion chemotherapy with nimustine (ACNU), methotrexate (MTX), and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) to three patients with disseminated malignant brain disease. The drugs were infused via Ommaya's reservoirs to the lateral ventricle and removed by drainage from the temporal lobe or lumbar spine. CSF and plasma concentrations of the anticancer drugs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence polarization immunoassay. RESULTS: The concentrations of anticancer drugs in the discharged CSF peaked about 40 min after the start of a 1-h CSF perfusion. After the perfusion, the drug level in CSF decreased exponentially in a monophasic manner. ACNU and Ara-C were not detectable in the discharged CSF in the temporal lobe at 6 h and 48 h after perfusion, respectively, but MTX was detectable at 48 h. The maximum concentration ratio of anticancer drugs and the duration of perfusion were inversely correlated. The plasma concentrations of anticancer drugs were much lower than those in CSF. The half-life of ACNU was very short (0.2-1.1 h), whereas the half-lives of MTX and Ara-C were relatively long (2.81-13.5 h and 1.84 6.25 h, respectively). The half-lives of the anticancer drugs in CSF tended to decrease with repeated CSF perfusion chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that CSF perfusion chemotherapy enables a high concentration of anticancer drug to be administered for dissemination in the spinal cord within a short period of time, with minimal adverse effects.

Adult↗

Human interferon beta, nimustine hydrochloride, and radiation therapy in the treatment of newly diagnosed malignant astrocytomas.

Previous investigators have reported encouraging results for malignant gliomas treated using a combination of human interferon beta (IFN-beta) with nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) and radiation therapy (termed IAR therapy). This study was undertaken to examine further the efficacy of the IAR regimen followed by maintenance therapy with IFN-beta and ACNU in patients with newly diagnosed malignant astrocytomas. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled onto the trial. IFN-beta (2 x 10(6) IU/m(2)/day x 5 days/week for 8 consecutive weeks) and ACNU (80 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 36) were administered intravenously concomitant with radiation therapy followed by IFN-beta (every 2 weeks) and ACNU (every 6 weeks). Of 33 patients assessable for a response, 11 responded (33%), with 4 complete responses. The estimated median overall survival (OS) was 16 months, with values of 58 and 13 months for anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and glioblastoma (GB) patients, respectively. The overall progression free survival (PFS) was 11 months, with values of 31 and 7 months for AA and GB patients, respectively. The IAR therapy was safe and well tolerated. Based on a statistical analysis of the factors that affected the PFS and OS, histologic grade, postoperative Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), and extent of surgery were identified as independent predictors. The postoperative KPS stood out as the most powerful prognostic factor, which was also the best predictor for the response to IAR therapy. Our findings suggest a possible benefit for IAR therapy followed by maintenance therapy mainly in AA. In addition, they emphasize the importance of a preserved KPS after cytoreductive surgery, which could produce a potential benefit for adjuvant therapy and could ultimately lead to a prolonged survival.

Adult↗

A phase II study of nimustine hydrochloride, cisplatin, and etoposide combination chemotherapy for supratentorial malignant gliomas.

Twenty-eight patients who were previously treated by aggressive surgery and radiation and were diagnosed with supratentorial malignant gliomas received a combination of nimustine hydrochloride; 1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl) methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea hydrochloride (ACNU), cisplatin and etoposide (ACE therapy) as primary treatment. Cisplatin and etoposide were given at doses of 20 and 60 mg/m2/day for 5 days, respectively, ACNU doses 80 mg/m2/day on the first day. Treatment was repeated at 4-week intervals for up to 3 cycles. Seventeen patients (60.7%) complained of nausea. Grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity occurred in 11 patients (39.3%), and grade 3 or 4 renal toxicity occurred in 2 patients. The percentage of patients who showed complete or partial response was 28.6% (8/28). The median time of tumor progression was 40 weeks, and the median survival time was 146 weeks. There were some long-surviving patients who may have benefited from ACE combination. This study demonstrated the effects of ACE combination in patients with supratentorial malignant gliomas.

Adult↗

Effects of combination chemotherapy with biscoclaurine-derived alkaloid (Cepharanthine) and nimustine hydrochloride on malignant glioma cell lines.

In the treatment of malignant glioma, chemotherapy plays a critical role as do surgical resection and irradiation. Cepharanthine (CEP), a biscoclaurine-derived alkaloid, reportedly potentiates the effects of antitumor agents and induces apoptosis in some cancer cells. Here, we examined the effects of CEP, alone and in combination with nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU), on the in vitro proliferation of malignant glioma cells. The cell lines used were U87MG, U251MG, and T98G. At concentrations from 1 to 10 microg/ml, CEP-promoted cell proliferation somewhat; growth inhibition was noted at concentrations of 15 microg/ml and higher. Phase-contrast microscopy showed that cells tended to detach from the culture dishes and that cell density became sparse at the higher concentrations. DAPI fluorescence nuclear staining revealed condensation and fragmentation of nuclei, indicating the induction of apoptosis. To examine the cascade of apoptosis, the caspase inhibitors YVAD and DEVD were added. They inhibited CEP-induced apoptosis in U251MG cells (a p53-mutant cell line), but not in U87MG cells (a p53 wild-type cell line), suggesting that in CEP-induced apoptosis two possible cascades are in play. In combination with ACNU, the effects of the higher concentrations of CEP were enhanced.

Alkaloids↗

A phase II study of radiotherapy after hyperbaric oxygenation combined with interferon-beta and nimustine hydrochloride to treat supratentorial malignant gliomas.

Hypoxic cells play a key role in the radioresistance of malignant glioma. Interferon-beta, ACNU as nimustine hydrochloride and radiotherapy (IAR) is a common therapy for malignant glioma in Japan. Since hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) increases oxygen pressure in glioma tissue, we applied a modified IAR therapy, radiotherapy after HBO combined with interferon-beta and ACNU (HBO/IAR therapy), for supratentorial malignant gliomas. Daily radiation therapy was completed within 15 min after HBO. We assessed HBO/IAR with respect to toxicity, response rates and the time of tumor progression (TTP). We also examined the incidence of responses by some prognostic factors before HBO/IAR, namely, age, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), histological type, tumor size, tumor site and operation type. Of 39 patients who participated in this study, 35 underwent a complete schedule of HBO/IAR therapy in which toxicity was permissible. Thirty patients (76.9%) either maintained or increased KPS during HBO/IAR with a mean duration of 68 +/- 14 days. The response rates (CR + PR%) for glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and overall were 50%, 30% and 43%, respectively. The incidence of therapeutic responses among all prognostic factors before HBO/IAR did not significantly differ. Median TTP for patients with glioblastoma, patients with anaplastic astrocytoma, and overall were 38, 56 and 43 weeks, respectively. The present study suggested that HBO/IAR therapy could be applied to especially patients with poor prognostic factors, because of its short treatment period, its permissible toxicity and identical response to patients with good prognostic factors.

Adult↗

Radiotherapy combined with nimustine hydrochloride and etoposide for malignant gliomas: results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of radio-chemotherapy using nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) and etoposide (VP-16) for malignant gliomas. METHODS: From 1985 through 1998, 33 consecutive patients with supratentorial malignant gliomas were treated by a single protocol. The mean age was 45.8 years (range 12-76 years). The median Karnofsky performance score was 80 (range 60-100). There were 14 anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and 19 glioblastomas (GBM). Following surgery, 60 Gy of radiotherapy combined with an adjuvant chemotherapy using ACNU (80 mg/m(2) i.v. days 1 and 36) and etoposide (80 mg/m(2) i.v. days 2, 3, 37 and 38) was administered. On completion of the initial radio-chemotherapy, a single cycle of the same chemotherapy was repeated every 6-8 weeks until tumor progression or for 2 years at the maximum. RESULTS: All 33 patients tolerated treatment. We observed complete response in five cases (15%), partial response in nine (27%), no change in 11 (33%) and progressive disease in eight (24%). The response rate (>50% reduction) was therefore 42.4%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) for all 33 patients was 8.4 months: 7.8 months for GBMs and 13.5 months for AAs. There was no significant difference in PFS between GBM and AA patients (p = 0.14). The median survival time of all 33 patients was 21.1 months: 16.2 months for GBMs and 49.9 months for AAs. The difference in survival between AA and GBM was statistically significant (p = 0.0019). Myelosuppression appeared in 11 patients: grade 2 hematological toxicity in 10 cases (30%) and grade 3 in one case (3%). We did not observe any gastrointestinal toxicity. Multivariate analysis showed that age and initial histological grade had independent prognostic significance. CONCLUSION: RT with ACNU and etoposide are feasible and well tolerated and the treatment results were comparable to the best results reported in the literature.

Adolescent↗

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody and nimustine as combined therapy: effects on tumour growth and angiogenesis in human glioblastoma xenografts.

We evaluated the effectiveness of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockade alone and in combination with 1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea (ACNU, nimustine), a cytotoxic agent commonly used in the treatment of malignant gliomas, to eradicate tumors of human glioblastoma cell lines implanted in SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice. ACNU, but not cisplatin and etoposide, elevated VEGF expression in a glioma cell line in vitro. VEGF antibody alone inhibited glioma growth in vivo as a result of angiogenesis inhibition. The combination with ACNU resulted in an additive effect for inhibition of glioma growth. ACNU also induced VEGF up-regulation in glioma tissues, which was decreased with VEGF antibody treatment. One of the mechanisms of the additive effect of the VEGF antibody and ACNU combination is the blockade of VEGF up-regulation induced by ACNU. As such, the combination of antiangiogenic therapy with conventional therapy is promising for glioma treatment in the future.

Animals↗