Melphalan

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Melphalan
File:Melphalan.svg
Clinical data
Routes of
administration
Oral, intravenous
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability25% to 89%
Metabolismhydrolysis
Elimination half-life1.5 ± 0.8 hours
ExcretionRenal, significantly metabolised
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
DrugBank
E number{{#property:P628}}
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Chemical and physical data
FormulaC13H18Cl2N2O2
Molar mass305.2 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:

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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