IUPAC Name
4-[bis(2-Chloroethyl)amino]-L-phenylalanineBiosynthesis of Melphalan
L-N-Phthalimido-paminophenylalanine ethyl ester when reacted with ethylene oxide yields an intermediate which on treatment with phosphorus oxychloride gives rise to 4-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-amino-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester. This on hydrolysis with HCl yield Melphalan.
Therapeutic Uses of Melphalan
Melphalan can be used in the treatment of following diseases-
- Breast cancer
- Neuroblastoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Multiple myeloma
Dose of Melphalan
Oral, 150mcg per kg body weight daily for four to seven days.