Melphalan (MPL)

Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug belonging to the class of nitrogen mustard alkylating agents. An alkylating agent adds an alkyl group (CnH2n+1) to DNA. It attaches the alkyl group to the guanine base of DNA, at the number 7 nitrogen atom of the imidazole ring. Otherwise known as L-Phenylalanine Mustard, or L-PAM, melphalan is a phenylalanine derivative of mechlorethamine. It is used to treat multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer, and occasionally malignant melanoma.The agent was first investigated as a possible drug for use in melanoma. It was not found to be effective, but has been found to be effective in the treatment of myeloma. Melphalan is currently being used to treat ocular retinoblastoma, a pediatric solid tumor. This is accomplished via transarterial catheter based slow pulsed infusion into the ophthalmic artery. Oral or intravenous; dosing varies by purpose and route of administration as well as patient weight.