temozolomide

Temozolomide (brand names Temodar and Temodal Schering-Plough Corporation) is an oral alkylating agent which can be used for the treatment of Grade IV astrocytoma, an aggressive brain tumor, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, as well as melanoma.

It is also indicated for Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma and not indicated for, but now used to treat oligodendroglioma brain tumors in some countries, replacing the older (and less well-tolerated) PCV (Procarbazine-Lomustine-Vincristine) regimen.

The agent was developed by Malcolm Stevens and his team at Aston University in Birmingham.

A derivative of imidazotetrazine, temozolomide is the prodrug of MTIC (3-methyl-(triazen-1-yl)imidazole-4-carboxamide).

It has been available in the US since August 1999, and in other countries since the early 2000s.