Melphalan
Encyclopedia : M : ME : MEL : Melphalan
Melphalan hydrochloride ( 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.
Administration
Oral or intravenous; dosing varies by purpose and route of administration as well as patient weight.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
- Severe allergic reactions
- Scarring of lung tissue (usually only with prolonged use)
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Itching
| Chemotherapeutic agents (L01) - Chemotherapy regimens |
|---|
| L01A - Alkylating agents: Cyclophosphamide | Chlorambucil | Melphalan | Mechlorethamine | Ifosfamide | Busulfan | ThioTEPA | Lomustine | Streptozocin | Temozolomide | Dacarbazine | Cisplatin | Carboplatin | Oxaliplatin | Procarbazine | Uramustine |
| L01B - Antimetabolites: Methotrexate | Pemetrexed | Fludarabine Cytarabine | Fluorouracil | Floxuridine | Gemcitabine | Capecitabine |
| L01C - Plant alkaloids: Vinblastine | Vincristine | Vinorelbine | Etoposide | Paclitaxel | Docetaxel |
| L01D - Cytotoxic/antitumour antibiotics: Anthracycline family (Doxorubicin | Daunorubicin | Epirubicin | Idarubicin | Mitoxantrone) | Bleomycin | Mitomycin | Hydroxyurea |
| L01X - Other, including Topoisomerase inhibitors: Topotecan | Irinotecan |
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