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Generic Name: Chlorambucil
Brand Name(s): Leukeran®
IUPAC: 4-[4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]butanoic acid
FDA Approval: yes
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Usage: Chlorambucil is an
alkylating agent that is used to treat a variety of cancer types. Malignancies for which chlorambucil is use include chronic lymphocytic
leukemia, lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease. Chlorambucil is usually administered as an intravenous infusion or in tablet form.
Mechanism: Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent that prevents
DNA synthesis and
RNA transcription by attaching alkyl groups to DNA bases, forms cross-links on DNA, and causes incorrect pairing of nucleotides which causes mutations.
Side Effects: Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulcers. Less common side effects include tremors, twitching, seizures, other abnormal activity of the nervous system, and also changes in and allergic reactions of the skin. Chlorambucil should not be taken by women who are pregnant and patients should not become pregnant while using this drug, as it may have harmful affects on the developing fetus. This drug may also have negative effects on fertility in the years following treatment. Bone marrow depression is the most common toxicity associated with chlorambucil's usage. It is important to monitor the levels of white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin.
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