About polifeprosan + carmustine
Local chemotherapy implant; nitrosourea alkylating agent
Used for
- Placed during brain surgery to treat certain newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas.
- Used after surgery for recurrent malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma.
Usual adult dose
Up to eight wafers placed in the surgical cavity during surgery; the surgeon determines the number.
Common side effects
- Brain swelling and seizures
- Wound-healing problems or infection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness, confusion, or speech difficulties
Important warnings
- For implantation by a neurosurgeon only; not taken by mouth.
- Can cause brain swelling, seizures, infection, or poor wound healing.
- May affect blood counts; monitoring may be needed.
- Not suitable for some patients with active infection or certain surgical complications.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby; pregnancy status and risks should be reviewed before treatment.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment; discuss timing with the treating team.
Interactions
- Other cancer treatments or medicines that suppress bone marrow may increase blood-related side effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.