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Nitrogen Mustard

The history of chemotherapy traces back to medical observations in World War I. Soldiers who were exposed to chemical warfare, Sulfur Mustard, suffered from lowering of their white blood cells, especially lymphocytes. Following that observation, Nitrogen Mustard, a similar and yet less toxic agent, was used in patients with high white blood cells (lymphoid leukemia) and then in lymphomas. Nitrogen Mustard indeed lowered the count of lymphocytes and assisted in the management of lymphoid cancers.

Subsequent to the discovery of Nitrogen Mustard, many more substances were discovered and studied in laboratory. This came with better understanding of illnesses and their nature, culminating in a newer approach, designing some chemotherapy drugs that would interfere with certain functions of the cells. This journey still continues.

Nitrogen Mustard is the oldest chemotherapy drug in existence and use since World War I. Nitrogen mustard is a white powder, when prepared for use becomes a clear, colorless liquid. It is given by intravenous route only. This drug is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Hodgkin's Disease

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Nitrogen Mustard is normally administered every four weeks.  This drug is hardly used any more due to its potential to cause leukemia.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Nitrogen Mustard. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Hair Loss

• Infertility

• Potential to cause leukemia

• Damage to the veins

• Severe damage to the tissues, if drug leaks from the injection site (Extravasations)

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologists.