Melphalan

Definition

Melphalan is an anticancer (antineoplastic) agent. It also acts as a suppressor of the immune system. It is available under the brand name Alkeran.

Purpose

Melphalan is primarily used to treat ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma, which is a type of cancer of the bone marrow.

Although not specifically labeled for use in the treatment of these cancers, melphalan is also used in some patients with:

  • breast cancer
  • cancers of the blood and lymph system
  • endometrial cancer
  • malignant melanoma
  • Waldenström's macroglobulinemia