Melphalan

Melphalan

File:Melphalan.svg
Clinical data
Routes of administration	Oral, intravenous
ATC code	L01AA03 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	25% to 89%
Metabolism	hydrolysis
Elimination half-life	1.5 ± 0.8 hours
Excretion	Renal, significantly metabolised
Identifiers
IUPAC name 2-amino-3-[4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]- propanoic acid
CAS Number	148-82-3
PubChem CID	4053
DrugBank	APRD00118
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C13H18Cl2N2O2
Molar mass	305.2 g/mol

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.

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

Less common side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Scarring of lung tissue (usually only with prolonged use)
• Hair loss
• Rash
• Itching