ABSTRACT
Chlorambucil is an alkylating antineoplastic agent used therapeutically in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and several other malignancies. It is a derivative of mechlorethamine, another human developmental toxicant. As with other alkylators, chlorambucil interferes with DNA replication and RNA transcription by alkylation and cross-linking DNA strands. Only four nonmalformed infants were reported after chlorambucil use; therefore, based on this published information, the risk to developmental toxicity is high, on the order of 60%. Chlorambucil is aniline mustard of near average size. The compound is hydrophobic and of low polarity. Chlorambucil can participate in hydrogen bonding.
