Definition

A drug used to treat certain types of multiple myeloma and uveal melanoma (a type of eye cancer). An infusion of one form of melphalan hydrochloride is used as palliative therapy to treat multiple myeloma in patients who cannot take melphalan by mouth. Other forms of melphalan hydrochloride are used under the brand name Evomela to prepare patients with multiple myeloma for a stem cell transplant and under the brand name Hepzato to treat adults with uveal melanoma that has spread to less than half of the liver and cannot be removed by surgery. Hepzato is given as an infusion directly into an artery that leads to the liver. Melphalan hydrochloride is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It may kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. Melphalan hydrochloride is a type of alkylating agent.