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The Sound of Evolution
Chlorambucil
Mechanism of action:
Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent belonging to the nitrogen mustard class. In the body, chlorambucil is metabolized into the active compound phenylacetic acid mustard. This metabolite forms covalent bonds at the N⁷ position of guanine in DNA, causing DNA alkylation damage and cross-linking. As a result, DNA replication and transcription are disrupted, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Reference(s):
1. Rai KR et al. (2000). Fludarabine compared with chlorambucil as primary therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med.
2. Yang K et al. (2009). Alkylating agents for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
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