Alkylation of DNA and its aftermath

Abstract

Current pharmacopoeias invariably refer to a category of 'alkylating drugs', still among the most widely used in cancer chemotherapy. They are described as acting through their ability to damage DNA, thus interfering with cell replication. Unfortunately, this mode of action implicates these drugs as carcinogens. Thus the early studies recalled in this essay proved to be relevant to our understanding of both the main problems with which cancer research concerns itself: the causation of cancer and possible methods of treatment of this group of diseases.