Melphalan
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Half-lifeThis section has been translated automatically.
1,5–2 h
IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Plasmocytoma, ovarian and breast carcinoma, for regional extremity perfusion in metastatic malignant melanoma.
Limited indicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Myelosuppression, reduced general condition, acute infections. Melphalan has already been tested in studies for the treatment of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, but without convincing results.
Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.
Contraindicated during pregnancy (mutagenic effect!). Do not breastfeed if treated during the breastfeeding period!
Dosage and method of useThis section has been translated automatically.
0.15-0.2 mg/kg bw/day p.o. over 4-5 days every 4 weeks or 8-30 mg/m2 KO every 2-6 weeks i.v. For limb perfusion (high-dose therapy) 100-200 mg/m2 KO once
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
See Table 1.
InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.
Decrease of the Ciclosporin A level, phenylbutazone increases the melphalan toxicity.
ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Vaccination with live vaccines
PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.
Alkerane
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Remember! Contraception: Women during treatment, men during treatment and 6 months afterwards!
Remember! During therapy, regular blood count checks!
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Garrido-Laguna I et al (2007) Is there any reason to delay introduction of tumor necrosis factor in the management of in-transit metastasis of unresectable melanoma? J Clin Oncol 25: 1149
- Jaccard A (2007) et al High-dose melphalan versus melphalan plus dexamethasone for AL amyloidosis. N Engl J Med 2007 357: 1083-1093
TablesThis section has been translated automatically.
Side effects of Melphalan
General symptoms |
Fever |
Airways |
Pulmonary fibrosis (reversible, GD > 2,000 mg) interstitial pneumonia |
Blood, lymph |
Disorders of hematopoiesis Immunosuppression secondary leukemias (after long-term therapy) |
Electrolytes, metabolism, endocrinium |
disorders of spermatogenesis and ovulation |
GIT |
gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) Hepatotoxicity, icterus |
Urinary tract |
secondary hyperuricemia, cystitis |
skin/mucosa |
hair loss, allergic/toxic reactions (up to Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis), dermatitis, stomatitis |
Nervous System |
Seizures in children, peripheral neuropathy |
Sensory Organs |
Optic atrophy, reduction of visual acuity |