Melphalan

Malignancies in which melphalan is used include multiple myelomaAlso: malignant plasmocytoma. A cancer of the bone marrow in which plasma cells overgrow the normal cells. Plasma cells are B-cells that are fully differentiated and are producing antibodies., ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Melphalan is usually administered intravenously or in pill form.1
Melphalan (Alkeran®, L-Sarcolysin, Phenylalanine mustard) is an alkylating agentA chemical that is able to transfer small hydrocarbons to other molecules. They can cause mutations due to their ability to modify nucleotides in DNA. , that works through forming cross-links with DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. , which results in inhibition of DNA synthesis.1
The molecular structure above is the 3D conformer of Melphalan.
Common side effects include myelosupression (decreased blood cell counts), excessive bleeding, nausea and vomiting. Melphalan may also cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant should not take this drug.1