Tag: Mechlorethamine

Originally developed as a chemical warfare agent during World War I, nitrogen mustard is also known by the generic name **mechlorethamine**. This highly toxic compound was later repurposed for medical use, pioneering the field of cancer chemotherapy after researchers observed its destructive effects on bone marrow and lymphoid tissue.

The use of nitrogen mustard for chemotherapy was an unexpected byproduct of research into chemical warfare agents during World War II. This powerful and toxic substance, also known as mechlorethamine, has a complex history that begs the question: Is nitrogen mustard safe? The answer depends entirely on the context and application.

First developed for military purposes, a nitrogen mustard derivative was later recognized for its potent therapeutic effects on certain cancers. The answer to "is nitrogen mustard approved by the FDA?" is yes, although the original intravenous formulation has been discontinued in the United States, and a topical gel for skin lymphoma remains in use.

The origins of nitrogen mustards trace back to the horrific battlefields of World War I, where the chemical weapon known as mustard gas was first deployed. While their name might suggest a connection to the pungent mustard plant, these potent chemotherapy drugs are named for their structural similarity to the sulfur-based chemical warfare agent and for their similarly blister-inducing properties.