Hematological Malignancies

Mustargen and the history of alkylating agents

• Mustargen as antitumor agent evolved from observed effects of mustard gas in ww1 • Depression of the hematopoietic system was observed in survivors • Nitrogen mustard is an alkylating agent • First non-hormonal chemical demonstrating clear clinical antitumor activity • Studies published in 1946 demonstrated regression especially of lymphomas • Nitrogen mustard (mechlorethamine, mustargen) and other less toxic and more clinically effective derivatives were developed

Colvin OM. History of the alkylating agents; 19(3):363-371.