Alkylating agents are most active in the resting phase of the cell. These types of drugs are cell-cycle non-specific. There are several types of alkylating agents used in chemotherapy treatments: Mustard gas derivatives: Mechlorethamine, Cyclophosphamide, Chlorambucil, Melphalan, and Ifosfamide.

Are alkylating agents cell cycle non specific?

Alkylating agents are generally considered to be cell cycle phase nonspecific, meaning that they kill the cell in various and multiple phases of the cell cycle. Although alkylating agents may be used for most types of cancer, they are generally of greatest value in treating slow-growing cancers.

What are cell cycle specific agents?

Cell cycle phase specific agents act on the cells in a specific phase. They are most effective against tumours that have a large proportion of cells actively moving through the cell cycle and cycling at a fast rate.