Melphalan is a bifunctional alkylating agent which is active against selective human euplastic diseases. Melphalan is a bifunctional alkylation agent. Formation of carboniumintermediates from each of the two bis-2-chloroethyl groups enables alkylationthrough covalent binding with the 7-nitrogen of guanine on DNA, cross-linking two DNA strands and thereby preventing cell replication.

melphalan is also known as a D 'Isomer',It is less active against certain animal tumours, and the dose needed to produce effects on chromosomes is larger than that required with the L-isomer. Medphalan is practically insoluble in water and has a pKa1 of ~2.5.

How melphalan works

Melphalan tablet is one of a group of drugs called alkylation agents.

It sticks to one of the cancer cell's DNA strands.

DNA is the genetic code that is in the nucleus of all animal and plant cells.

The cell cannot then grow and divide into 2 new cells.

How to use melphalan

Melphalan is a clear liquid that you have as a drip (intravenous infusion).

You may have it through a short tube put into a vein in your arm each time you have treatment.

These are long, plastic tubes that give the drug directly into a large vein in your chest.

 You have the tube put in just before your course of treatment starts and it stays in place as long as you need it.

These side effects are less common side effects

Allergic reaction

Mouth sores

Diarrheal

Loss of fertility

Hair loss