melphalan brands

Molecular formula: C13H18Cl2N2O2

Melphalan is an alkylating agent of the bischloroethylamine type. It is believed to be taken up by tumour cells via a neutral amino acid active pathway shared by leucine. Melphalan binds at the N7 position of guanine and induces inter-strand cross-links in DNA, disrupting DNA synthesis or transcription. It can also cause DNA-protein cross-linking and induce lesions in RNA, proteins, and lipids. Melphalan is cytotoxic in resting and rapidly dividing tumour cells. Melphalan, as an alkylating agent, interferes with DNA replication and transcription of RNA, and ultimately results in the disruption of nucleic acid function. Melphalan also possesses some immunosuppressive activity. Melphalan is a direct-acting alkylating agent that is carcinogenic via genotoxic mechanism.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · compound 460612