Molecular Formula: C6H14O6S2
Molecular weight: 246.3 g/mol
CAS No: 55-98-1
ATC Code: L01AB01
Drug Class: Anti-Cancer
General Properties:
Busulfan is a methanesulfonate ester that is butane-1,4-diol in which the hydrogens of the hydroxy groups are replaced by methanesulfonyl groups. An alkylating antineoplastic agent, it is used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (although it has been largely replaced by newer drugs). It is also used as an insect sterilant. It has a role as an insect sterilant, an antineoplastic agent, a teratogenic agent, a carcinogenic agent and an alkylating agent. It is functionally related to a butane-1,4-diol.
Busulfan is a bifunctional alkylating agent, having a selective immunosuppressive effect on bone marrow. It is not a structural analog of the nitrogen mustards. It has been used in the palliative treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (myeloid leukemia, chronic), but although symptomatic relief is provided, no permanent remission is brought about. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), busulfan is listed as a known carcinogen.
Indication:
Busulfan is a medication used to manage and treat allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation, specifically for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. It is in the antineoplastic class of drugs, and it is defined as an alkylating agent.
