Summary
Spiromustine is a new alkylating agent, of interest since it was rationally designed as a lipophilic compound capable of penetrating the CNS. This lipophilicity may also enhance alkylating activity against tumors other than brain tumors.
Preclinical screening has shown activity against a variety of tumors, including an intracranially implanted ependymoblastoma. Alkylating activity has been demonstrated in an intracerebral glioma in the rat. Spiromustine is a cell cycle non-specific agent. Animal pharmacology studies have shown a biphasic plasma decay curve, with hepatic metabolism and excretion, an enterohepatic circulation of metabolites, and approximately 50% renal excretion of unchanged drug. Toxicology studies in mice, rats and dogs showed that dose-related myelosuppression, and neurotoxicity predominated; other organ toxicities were mild.
Spiromustine is currently entering Phase I clinical trials on a variety of schedules.
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Shoemaker, D.D., O'Dwyer, P.J., Marsoni, S. et al. Spiromustine: a new agent entering clinical trials. Invest New Drugs 1, 303–308 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00177413
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00177413