DNA alkylator
DNA alkylating agent
- Alkylates/cross-links DNA → blocks replication and triggers cell death
- Kills proliferating tumor — and marrow and germ cells
- Secondary malignancy risk persists for years
Drugs with this mechanism (3)
- N-Nitrosodimethylamine — Nitrosamine contaminant (ranitidine, ARBs, metformin recalls); CYP2E1 turns it into a DNA-methylating carcinogen.
- Phosphoramide mustard — DNA-crosslinking metabolite responsible for much of cyclophosphamide's antitumor activity; also drives marrow and reproductive toxicity.
- Procarbazine — DNA-damaging chemotherapy used in lymphoma and brain-tumor regimens; weak MAO inhibition adds food and drug interaction concerns.
Self-check
- Which normal cell groups are injured by DNA alkylators?
Marrow and germ cells. - How long can secondary-malignancy risk persist after DNA alkylation?
For years.
All mechanisms · Open DNA alkylator in the interactive console ↗