A nitrogen mustard given orally and intravenously in the treatment of multiple myeloma and other neoplasms; 4-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-l-phenylalanine, C₁₃H₁₈Cl₂N₂O₂.
Origin
1960s. From me- + L + ph- and -alan-.
Definition of melphalan in US English:
melphalan
nounˈmɛlfəlan
Pharmacology
A nitrogen mustard given orally and intravenously in the treatment of multiple myeloma and other neoplasms; 4-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-l-phenylalanine, C₁₃H₁₈Cl₂N₂O₂.