Melphalan
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Melphalan
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 2-amino-3-[4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]- propanoic acid |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| ATC code | L01 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C13H18Cl2N2O2 |
| Mol. mass | 305.2 g/mol |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | 25% to 89% |
| Metabolism | hydrolysis |
| Half life | 1.5 ± 0.8 hours |
| Excretion | Renal, significantly metabolised |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
? |
| Legal status |
℞ Prescription only |
| Routes | Oral, intravenous |
Melphalan hydrochloride (trade name Alkeran®) is a chemotherapy drug belonging to the class of nitrogen mustard alkylating agents. It is used primarily to treat multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer, and occasionally malignant melanoma. Otherwise known as L-Phenylalanine Mustard, or L-PAM, melphalan is a phenylalanine derivative of mechlorethamine. The agent was first investigated as a possible drug for use in melanoma. It did not work, but was found to be of use in myeloma.
[edit] Administration
Oral or intravenous; dosing varies by purpose and route of administration as well as patient weight.
[edit] Side effects
Common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bone marrow suppression, including
- Decreased white blood cell count causing increased risk of infection
- Decreased platelet count causing increased risk of bleeding
Less common side effects include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Scarring of lung tissue (usually only with prolonged use)
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Itching
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