Alkylating Agents

Alkylating agents are a group of cancer treatments that work by alkylation of DNA, which results in formation of cross-links between DNA strands. The cross-links lead to programmed cell death.  Alkylating agents can cause mutations, which can result in formation of other cancers.

Class Drugs

• Cyclophosphamide

• Ifosfamide

• Carmustine

• Lomustine

• Dacarbazine

• Temozolomide

Class Mechanism of Action

Alkylation of DNA, which forms cross-links between DNA and leads to programmed cell death.

Class Applications

See individual drugs

Class Adverse Effects

Mutagenic and cytotoxic

• Can cause other cancers to develop

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Cyclophosphamide	Sarcoma; Breast cancer; Non-Hodgkin lymphoma	Mechanism; Converted into active compounds, which react with DNA	"Cycle" "Phosphorus Symbol"
Ifosfamide	Sarcoma; Breast cancer; Non-Hodgkin lymphoma	Mechanism; Converted into active compounds, which react with DNA	"I" "Phosphorus Symbol"
Carmustine	Brain tumors; Hodgkin Lymphoma; Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; Multiple Myeloma	Mechanism; Alkylates DNA and effects primarily replicating cells	"Car" "Must"
Lomustine	Brain tumors	Mechanism; Alkylates DNA and effects primarily replicating cells	"Low" "Must"
Dacarbazine	Hodgkin lymphoma; Melanoma		"Daiquiri" "Carbon"
Temozolomide	Glioblastoma; Anaplastic astrocytoma; Melanoma		"Temple" "Ozone" "Midas"