Synthesis of Melphalan

IUPAC Name

4-[bis(2-Chloroethyl)amino]-L-phenylalanine

Biosynthesis 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.