II. Mechanism
- Exert cytotoxic effects via transfer of alkyl group
- DNA alkylation (key to cellular lethality)
- Chemically react with many cellular constituents
- DNA cross linking is a primary role of agents
- Replicating cells are most susceptible to agents
- Alkylating Agents are not cell cycle specific
III. Medications
- Bis (chloroethyl) amines
- Cyclophosphamide
- Mechlorethamine
- Chlorambucil
- Melphalan
- Nitrosoureas
- Carmustine (BCNU)
- Lomustine (CCNU)
- Semustine (Methyl-CCNU)
- Aziridines
- Thiotepa
- Triethylenemelamine
- Alkylsulfonates
- Busulfan
- Other drugs causing alkylation
- Procarbazine
- Dacarbazine
- Hexamethylmelamine
- Cisplatin