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alkylating agent
highly reactive, cytotoxic compounds that produce their effects by damaging a cell's DNA. Cell killing occurs primarily in
rapidly proliferating tissues in which there is not time between mitoses for DNA repair systems to reverse the effects of
the agent. Classes of antineoplastic alkylating agents include nitrogen mustards, nitrosoureas, and platinum compounds. Blood-forming, reproductive, and epithelial tissues are particularly sensitive to alkylating agents, and their
use may cause depressed blood cell counts, amenorrhea or impaired spermatogenesis, damage to intestinal mucosa, alopecia,
and increased risk of malignancy.
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