Which nitrosourea agent is commonly known as BiCNU?

Carmustine is commonly known as BiCNU, which is an abbreviation derived from its chemical name, bis-chloroethyl-nitrosourea. It is a type of nitrosourea that is used primarily in the treatment of certain types of cancer, including brain tumors and multiple myeloma. The mechanism of action involves the formation of alkylating agents that lead to cross-linking of DNA. This makes it effective in targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells, which is a common characteristic of many malignancies.

In contrast, the other agents listed serve different purposes and have distinct mechanisms. Lomustine, another nitrosourea, is structurally similar but is not referred to as BiCNU. Streptozocin is primarily used for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and exhibits a different mechanism by affecting glucose transport in tumor cells. Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in a variety of cancers but is not classified as a nitrosourea and operates through different biochemical pathways. Recognizing the specific terminology and classifications within chemotherapy agents is crucial for understanding their applications and mechanisms in cancer treatment.