Nitrogen Mustards as Alkylating Agents: A Review on Chemistry, Mechanism of Action and Current USFDA Status of Drugs

Background & Objective: Nitrogen mustard derivatives form one of the major classes of anti-cancer agents in USFDA approved drugs list. These are polyfunctional alkylating agents which are distinguished by a unique mechanism of adduct formation with DNA involving cross-linking between guanine N-7 of one strand of DNA with the other. The generated cross-linking is irreversible and leads to cell apoptosis. Hence it is of great interest to explore this class of anticancer alkylating agents. Methods: An exhaustive list of reviews, research articles, patents, books, patient information leaflets, and orange book is presented and the contents related to nitrogen mustard anti-cancer agents have been reviewed. Attempts are made to present synthesis schemes in a simplified manner. The mechanism of action of the drugs and their side effects are also systematically elaborated. Results: This review provides a platform for understanding all aspects of such drugs right from synthesis to their mechanism of action and side effects, and lists USFDA approved ANDA players among alkylating anticancer agents in the current market. Conclusion: Perusing this article, generic scientists will be able to access literature information in this domain easily to gain insight into the nitrogen mustard alkylating agents for further ANDA development. It will help the scientific and research community to continue their pursuit for the design of newer and novel heterocyclic alkylating agents of this class in the coming future.