melphalan

Definition of melphalan

melphalan (MEL-fuh-lan): A drug used to treat multiple myeloma and ovarian epithelial cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Melphalan may kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. It is a type of alkylating agent. Also called Alkeran Tablets.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms