How Do Alkylating Agents Cause Cancer

Alkylating agents are compounds that work by adding an alkyl group to the guanine base of the DNA molecule, preventing the strands of the double helix from linking as they should. This causes breakage of the DNA strands, affecting the ability of the cancer cell to multiply. Eventually, the cancer cell dies.

How do alkylating agents target cancer cells?

Alkylating agents work by destroying the DNA in cancer cells. This is done by replacing alkyl groups with hydrogen atoms in the DNA so the cells can’t repair themselves. As a result, the lack of functioning DNA prevents cancer cell division and replication.

Are alkylating agents carcinogens?

Alkylating agents are classic carcinogens (methylnitrosourea, 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, diethylnitrosoamine) and also they are classic anticancer drugs (melphalan, chlorambucil, busulfan, cyclophosphamide, the nitrosoureas, cisplatinum and carboplatin).