Melphalan, also known by its trade name Alkeran, is a chemotherapy drug used primarily in the treatment of multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer. It is an alkylating agent, which means it works by adding an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells, thereby preventing them from dividing and growing. Melphalan is a derivative of nitrogen mustard, a chemical warfare agent, but has been modified to be used safely in cancer therapy.
