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 however it did not work but was found to be of use in myeloma. more...
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
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