Mechlorethamine use

Mechlorethamine was developed as a vesicant (nitrogen mustard) during World War I. Its ability to cause lymphocytopenia led to its use in lymphatic cancers. Because it can covalently attach to two separate nucleotides, such as guanine on the DNA molecules, it is called a “bifunctional agent.” Mechlorethamine was used primarily in the treatment of Hodgkin disease and may find use in the treatment of some solid tumors.