Sustained release of BCNU for the treatment of intraocular malignancies in animal models.

Sustained release of 1,3-bis(2)chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) via an episcleral implanted silicone device was used to treat Brown-Pearce epithelioma in the anterior chamber of rabbit eyes. One group of test eyes received BCNU dissolved in sesame oil; a second group received BCNU in pure ethanol. Control eyes received only the diluent, sesame oil or pure ethanol. The effectiveness of the various dosages and diluents was compared by clinical observation, by weight of the enucleated eyes, and by histopathologic examination. Sustained release of BCNU via an episcleral implanted silicone device delayed the growth of Brown-Pearce epithelioma in rabbit eyes of both test groups. The most effective action resulted from administration of BCNU in pure ethanol.