ICD-10 Specific code C71: Malignant neoplasm of brain

Ifosfamide is an antineoplastic, a cytotoxic alkylating agent. It is a prodrug and shows no in vitro cytotoxic activity until activated by microsomal enzymes. The cytotoxic activity of ifosfamide (alkylation of the nucleophilic centres in the cells) is associated with the activated oxazaphosphorine ring hydroxylated at the C4 atom which interacts with DNA-DNA cross linking. This activity manifests itself by blocking the late S and early G2 phases of the cell cycle.

Lomustine’s mode of action is believed to be partly as an alkylating agent and partly by inhibition of several steps in the synthesis of nucleic acid and inhibition of the repair of single strand breaks in DNA chains.

Procarbazine, a methylhydrazine derivative, is a cytostatic agent with weak MAO inhibitor properties. Its exact mode of action on tumour cells is unknown.

Thiotepa is a polyfunctional cytotoxic agent related chemically and pharmacologically to the nitrogen mustard. The radiomimetic action of thiotepa is believed to occur through the release of ethylene imine radicals that, as in the case of irradiation therapy, disrupt the bonds of DNA, e.g. by alkylation of guanine at the N-7, breaking the linkage between the purine base and the sugar and liberating alkylated guanine.

Vindesine is an antineoplastic agent derived from vinblastine, like the other vinca alkaloids it causes mitotic arrest in metaphase by binding to microtubular protein.