Alkylating Agents: History and Effects in Chemotherapy

November 2013

Elisabeth Livingstone, Lisa Zimmer, Lara K. Leister, Dirk Schadendorf

alopecia hyperpigmentation mucositis xerosis pruritus chlorambucil

Studysummary This article reviews the history and dermatologic side effects of alkylating agents used in chemotherapy, noting that some agents like chlorambucil can cause recurrent symptoms upon rechallenge, whereas others are tolerated.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document discussed the history and effects of alkylating agents used in chemotherapy, starting with nitrogen mustard in 1946. These agents work by forming covalent bonds with DNA, leading to cell death. Dermatologic adverse events included hyperpigmentation, mucositis, alopecia, hypersensitivity reactions, and xerosis with pruritus. Extravasation could cause local cellulitis, though it was sometimes nonirritating. Rechallenge with chlorambucil caused the same symptoms, but other alkylating agents were tolerated.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Cutaneous Toxicities of Cancer Therapy

114 citations , March 2002 in “Current opinion in oncology/Current opinion in oncology, with cancerlit”

This review discusses various skin side effects from chemotherapy, noting that they are mainly toxic rather than allergic and often include alopecia, which can cause significant distress to patients.

research Cutaneous Reactions to Chemotherapeutic Agents

53 citations , May 2001 in “The American journal of the medical sciences”

This article reviews common skin eruptions in chemotherapy patients and discusses how recognizing these patterns can help avoid unnecessary changes to cancer treatment; it reports no new clinical results.

research Mucocutaneous Reactions to Chemotherapy

275 citations , March 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review elaborates on the skin side effects of chemotherapy and emphasizes identifying and managing both common and life-threatening skin reactions, without presenting new clinical findings.

research Cutaneous Complications of Chemotherapeutic Agents

172 citations , November 1983 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the cutaneous side effects of various chemotherapeutic agents but reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize the importance of dermatologists recognizing drug-induced skin reactions to better patient care.