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Valchlor (MECHLORETHAMINE)
Valchlor works by attaching an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells, interfering with their ability to replicate and ultimately leading to cell death.
Valchlor (Mechlorethamine) is a small molecule alkylating drug originally developed by Recordati Rare and currently owned by the same company. It was first approved by the FDA in 1949 for various cancer indications, including chronic lymphoid leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and mycosis fungoides. As an off-patent medication, Valchlor is no longer protected by active patents, allowing for potential generic competition. Despite its age, Valchlor remains a commercial product, and its exact mechanism of action is not well understood. Key safety considerations include its potential for severe side effects and the need for careful dosing.
At a glance
| Generic name | MECHLORETHAMINE |
|---|---|
| Also known as | chlormethine |
| Sponsor | Recordati |
| Drug class | Alkylating Drug [EPC] |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1949 |
Mechanism of action
Mechlorethamine, also known as nitrogen mustard, is an alkylating agent which inhibits rapidly proliferating cells.
Approved indications
- Mycosis Fungoides-Type Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Common side effects
- Dermatitis
- Pruritus
- Bacterial skin infection
- Skin ulceration or blistering
- Skin hyperpigmentation
- Reductions in hemoglobin
- Neutrophil count reduction
- Platelet count reduction
- Discontinuations due to adverse reactions
- Temporary treatment suspension
- Reductions in dosing frequency
- Discontinuations for adverse reactions within the first 90 days
Drug interactions
- None
Key clinical trials
- Intensity Modulated Total Marrow Irradiation, Fludarabine Phosphate, and Melphalan in Treating Patients With Relapsed Hematologic Cancers Undergoing a Second Donor Stem Cell Transplant (PHASE1)
- Dual-Target GPC3/B7-H3 CAR-NK Cells for Advanced HCC (PHASE1,PHASE2)
- Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Temsirolimus in Treating Patients With Intermediate Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma (PHASE3)
- Veliparib, Cyclophosphamide, and Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Unresectable Solid Tumors or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (PHASE1)
- Ibrutinib Before and After Stem Cell Transplant in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (PHASE3)
- Cyclophosphamide and Veliparib in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer (PHASE1)
- TBI Using IMRT and Cyclophosphamide Prior to Stem Cell Transplant for the Treatment of Severe Systemic Sclerosis (EARLY_PHASE1)
- MYELOMATCH: A Screening Study to Assign People With Myeloid Cancer to a Treatment Study or Standard of Care Treatment Within myeloMATCH (MyeloMATCH Screening Trial) (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |