nitrosourea /nītrō′sōyo͝orē″ə/ , one of a group of alkylating drugs used as antineoplastic drugs in the chemotherapy of brain tumors, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease, adenocarcinomas, hepatomas, chronic leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and cancers of the breast and ovaries. They have been less successful in therapy for cancers of the lungs, head, neck, and GI tract. Like other alkylating agents, they have severe toxic effects, including bone marrow depression. Nausea and vomiting are almost always present. These drugs can cause fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy. Carmustine and lomustine are typical examples of this group. See also alkylating agent.
