How Do You Spell MELPHALAN?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛlfɐlˌan] (IPA)

Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug often used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and some other cancers. Its spelling can seem confusing at first, but it follows standard English phonetics. The "m" is pronounced as in "mother," the "e" as in "pet," the "l" as in "love," and the "ph" as in "phone." The final syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound like in "cat" and a nasal "n" similar to the French "en" sound. The IPA transcription for melphalan is /ˈmɛlfəlæn/.

MELPHALAN Meaning and Definition

1. Melphalan is a noun that refers to a highly potent chemotherapy drug belonging to the class of alkylating agents. It is most commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, particularly multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells. The drug exerts its therapeutic effects by interfering with the growth and replication of cancer cells, ultimately leading to their destruction.

   Melphalan is administered intravenously and works by damaging the DNA within the cancer cells, preventing their ability to divide and multiply. This drug primarily targets cells that are rapidly dividing, including cancerous cells. By causing DNA damage, melphalan inhibits cancer cell growth, contributing to tumor regression. However, its effects are not limited to cancer cells, and it can also affect normal, healthy cells, resulting in potential side effects.

   The usage of melphalan must be carefully monitored and tailored based on individual patient characteristics, such as their overall health status and the type and stage of cancer being treated. The dosages are determined by medical professionals, considering factors such as body weight and blood counts. Typically, melphalan is used in combination with other drugs or therapy regimens to enhance its efficacy, as it has shown to have better outcomes in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

   In summary, melphalan is a potent chemotherapy drug primarily used for the treatment of multiple myeloma and other cancer types. It disrupts cancer cell DNA, inhibiting their growth and ultimately aiding in tumor regression.

Common Misspellings for MELPHALAN

• nelphalan
• kelphalan
• jelphalan
• mwlphalan
• mslphalan
• mdlphalan
• mrlphalan
• m4lphalan
• m3lphalan
• mekphalan
• mepphalan
• meophalan
• melohalan
• mellhalan
• mel-halan
• mel0halan
• melpgalan
• melpbalan
• melpnalan

Etymology of MELPHALAN

The word "melphalan" originated from the combination of two terms: "melanin" and "phalanx".

1. "Melanin" is a pigment found in various parts of organisms, including the skin, hair, and eyes. It is responsible for giving color to these tissues and provides protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The term "melanin" is derived from the Greek word "melas" meaning "black" or "dark".

2. "Phalanx" refers to a formation of soldiers standing closely together in rows. It comes from the Greek word "phalang-" meaning "row" or "line". The term was later extended to represent any compact group or unit.

The name "melphalan" was coined by combining "melanin" with "phalanx".

Similar spelling word for MELPHALAN

• meal plan.