Nitrosourea

Nitrosourea is both the name of a molecule, and a class of compounds that include a nitroso group and a urea.

Examples

Examples include:

Arabinopyranosyl-N-methyl-N-nitrosourea
Carmustine
Chlorozotocin
Ethylnitrosourea
Fotemustine
Lomustine
Nimustine
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea
Ranimustine
Semustine
Streptozocin

Nitrosourea compounds are DNA alkylating agents and are often used in chemotherapy. They are lipophilic and thus can cross the blood–brain barrier, making them useful in the treatment of brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme.

Side effects

Some nitrosoureas have been associated with the development of interstitial lung disease.