melphalan + oxaliplatin

Melphalan + oxaliplatin is a combination of two chemotherapeutic agents, both classified as alkylating agents but with distinct chemical structures and mechanisms. Melphalan is a nitrogen mustard derivative that acts as a bifunctional alkylating agent, interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis by forming cross-links in DNA strands, leading to cell death. It is primarily used for the treatment of multiple myeloma, ovarian carcinoma, and uveal melanoma with unresectable hepatic metastases[1][2][5]. Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based compound that induces cytotoxicity mainly through the formation of DNA crosslinks (both intrastrand and interstrand), which disrupts DNA replication and transcription. It is most commonly used in colorectal cancer therapy but has also been investigated for other malignancies[4]. The combination may be explored or used off-label for synergistic effects in certain cancers where dual alkylation mechanisms are desired.

Other names

melphalan + oxaliplatin