Name:  Busulfan

Synonyms:  Myleran; Busulfex; Busulphan; Tetramethylene bis(methanesulfonate); 1,4-Dimethanesulfonoxybutane; 1,4-Butanediol dimethanesulfonate

Molecular Structure:  

Molecular Formula:  C₆H₁₄O₆S₂

Molecular Weight:  246.29

CAS Number:  55-98-1

EINECS:  200-250-2

 

Busulfan is a chemotherapy drug that is a cell cycle non-specific alkylating antineoplastic agent (slows the growth of cancer cells). More specifically it belongs to a subclass of alkylating agents known as alkyl sulfonates. Busulfan  is marketed in the U.S. by GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name Myleran, and has been in clinical use since 1959. Busulfan is also available in an IV formulation marketed as Busulfex by PDL BioPharma, Inc.

Busulfan used to be the standard of treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) until Busulfan  was replaced with the new gold standard, Imatinib. Currently, its main uses are in bone marrow transplantation, especially in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), where Busulfan  is used as a conditioning drug. Busulfan can control tumor burden but cannot prevent transformation or correct cytogenic abnormalities. Though not as common, Busulfan  may also be used for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Busulfan was recently used in a study to examine the role of platelet-transported serotonin in liver regeneration.