METHYL CCNU Meaning and
Definition
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Methyl CCNU, also known as lomustine or CCNU, is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) medication that belongs to the class of alkylating agents. It is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of brain tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma, and metastatic brain tumors.
Methyl CCNU works by interfering with the reproduction and growth of cancer cells through the process of alkylation. It modifies the DNA strands in cancer cells, preventing the DNA from replicating properly and causing damage to the cancer cell's genetic code. This ultimately leads to the death of the cancer cells and inhibits their ability to grow and spread.
The medication is commonly administered orally, as a capsule or tablet, and is absorbed into the bloodstream. It is then distributed throughout the body, including the brain, where it can reach the targeted cancer cells. The dosage and duration of treatment with Methyl CCNU may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated, as well as individual patient factors.
Although effective in treating certain types of brain tumors, Methyl CCNU also carries potential side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bone marrow suppression (resulting in decreased production of blood cells), liver toxicity, and an increased risk of developing secondary cancers. It is essential for patients receiving this medication to be closely monitored by healthcare professionals and to receive regular blood tests to assess their overall well-being and check for any potential complications.
Common Misspellings for METHYL CCNU
- nethyl ccnu
- kethyl ccnu
- jethyl ccnu
- mwthyl ccnu
- msthyl ccnu
- mdthyl ccnu
- mrthyl ccnu
- m4thyl ccnu
- m3thyl ccnu
- merhyl ccnu
- mefhyl ccnu
- meghyl ccnu
- meyhyl ccnu
- me6hyl ccnu
- me5hyl ccnu
- metgyl ccnu
- metbyl ccnu
- metnyl ccnu
- metjyl ccnu
- metuyl ccnu
Etymology of METHYL CCNU
The word "Methyl CCNU" is formed by combining two components: "Methyl" and "CCNU".
1. Methyl: It comes from the term "methyl group". A methyl group (-CH3) is a functional group consisting of three hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom. In organic chemistry, the term "methyl" is used to indicate the presence of this group. The term "methyl" itself is derived from the Greek word "methe" (meaning "wine"), which was used because methyl alcohol was initially produced by the distillation of wood spirits.
2. CCNU: It is an abbreviation for the chemical compound name "1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea". The abbreviation "CCNU" is derived from the systematic nomenclature of this compound, where each letter represents one of its constituent atoms or groups.
