Melphalan (Melphalan)
Overview of Melphalan
Melphalan is a cytotoxic alkylating agent that is the L-phenylanine derivative of mechlorethamine. All alkylating agent have or can form an alkyl group that becomes covalently bound to cellular constituents. Melphalan is used parentrally in the treatment of different cancers to slow or stop abnormally growing cells. Melphalan is used in combination of different anticancer drugs to obtain best therapeutic effects and to reduce side effects or toxicities.
Indication of Melphalan
Melphalan is primarily indicated in conditions like Advanced breast cancer, Breast cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, Malignant melanoma, Myelomatosis, Neuroblastoma, Ovarian cancer, Polycythemia rubravera, Soft tissue sarcoma, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Multiple myeloma.
Contraindication of Melphalan
Melphalan is contraindicated in conditions like Neutropenia,Myelosuppression,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Melphalan
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Melphalan, which give rise to further complications include Hemolytic anemia, Hemolytic anemia, Myelosuppressive effect, Pulmonary fibrosis, GI symptoms, Electrolyte disturbance, Diarrhea.,Melphalan produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia, Myelosuppression, Acute leukemia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Melphalan therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Melphalan include Severe myelosuppression.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Melphalan are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Maculopapular rash, Pruritus, Hair loss, Failure of menstruation.
Precautions of Melphalan
Melphalan must not be used during pregnancy. It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or any blood disorders.