ALKACEL 50

Medical Uses

Melphalan is an alkylating chemotherapy medicine used for treating certain cancers. It is commonly used in:

• Multiple Myeloma

• As part of high-dose conditioning therapy

• Often used before autologous stem cell transplantation

• Ovarian Cancer

• For advanced or recurrent disease

• Other Cancers (specialist use)

• May be used in specific regimens for melanoma or certain solid tumors (specialized settings only)

Melphalan works by damaging cancer cell DNA, preventing growth and division.

Dosage (Must Be Decided by an Oncologist)

The dose varies widely based on the cancer type, treatment protocol, and patient condition.

Typical High-Dose Conditioning (Multiple Myeloma)

• 200 mg/m² IV as a single high dose

• Or 140 mg/m² IV in older or frail patients

• Given before stem cell transplant

General Administration

• Powder is reconstituted and diluted before infusion

• Given intravenously by oncology specialists

• Dose adjustments required for:

  • Kidney issues

  • Previous chemotherapy

  • Age and performance status

Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Mouth sores

• Diarrhea

• Low blood counts (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)

• Hair thinning

Serious:

• Severe bone marrow suppression

• Infections due to low immunity

• Kidney function changes

• Secondary malignancies (rare, long-term)

• Allergic or infusion reactions

Regular monitoring is required during treatment.

How to Use

• Must be administered in a hospital/oncology center

• Given only intravenously

• Patients require close monitoring:

  • CBC (blood counts)

  • Kidney function

  • Signs of infection

  • Hydration status